### member states shall only grant payments to farmers and other beneficiaries who undertake , on a voluntary basis , management commitments which are considered to be beneficial to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 . ### member states shall only grant payments to farmers , groupings of farmers and other land managers who undertake , on a voluntary basis , management commitments which are considered to be beneficial to achieving the specific objectives that are relevant , of those set out in article 6 .


### research and experimental production , in particular focused on water saving , energy saving , ecological packaging , waste reduction , pest resilience , reduction of risks and impacts of pesticides use , preventing damage caused by adverse climatic events and boosting the use of fruit and vegetable varieties adapted to changing climate conditions ; ### research and experimental production , including examples of water saving , energy saving , ecological packaging , waste reduction , pest resilience , reduction of risks and impacts of pesticides use , preventing damage caused by adverse climatic events and boosting the use of fruit and vegetable varieties adapted to changing climate conditions ;


### achievement of the objectives referred to in articles 5 and 6 shall be assessed on the basis of common indicators related to output , result and impact . the set of common indicators shall include : ### achievement of the objectives referred to in articles 5 and 6 shall be assessed on the basis of basic common indicators related to output , result and impact . other , more detailed indicators reflecting the actual situation in the member states shall be defined by the member states in their cap strategic plans the set of basic common indicators shall include :


### member states shall ensure that the farm advice given is impartial and that advisors have no conflict of interest . ### member states shall ensure that farmers have access to impartial and objective farm advisory services in which advisors have no conflict of interest .


### in order to ensure consistency between the direct payments types of interventions and rural development types of interventions when addressing the objective of generational renewal , a framework definition for ‘ young farmer’ with the essential elements should be set out at union level . ### in order to ensure consistency between direct payment types of interventions and rural development types of interventions when addressing the objective of generational renewal which is of critical importance , a framework definition for ‘ young farmer ' with the essential broad elements should be set out at union level , which should not be restrictive in order to facilitate new entrants into agriculture and reflect the realities on the ground in the member states .


### the member state shall publish the list of the members of the monitoring committee online . ### the member state and , where appropriate , the regions shall publish the list of the members of the monitoring committee online .


### in order to ensure that the union can respect its international obligations on domestic support as set out in the wto agreement on agriculture , and in particular that the basic income support for sustainability and related types of interventions continue to be notified as ‘ green box’ support which has no , or at most minimal , trade - distorting effects or effects on production , the framework definition for ‘ agricultural activity’ should provide for both the production of agricultural products or the maintenance of the agricultural area . in light of adjusting to local conditions , member states should lay down the actual definition of agricultural activity in their cap strategic plans . ### in order to ensure that the union can respect its international obligations on domestic support as set out in the wto agreement on agriculture , and in particular that the basic income support for sustainability and related types of interventions continue to be notified as ‘ green box’ support which has no , or at most minimal , trade - distorting effects or effects on production , the framework definition for ‘ agricultural activity’ should provide for both the production of agricultural products or the maintenance of the agricultural area . in light of adjusting to local conditions , member states should lay down the definition of agricultural activity in their cap strategic plans , complying with the common elements of the eu framework definition .


### eafrd should not provide support to investments that would harm the environment . hence it is necessary to provide in this regulation a number of exclusion rules , as well as the possibility to further develop these guarantees in delegated acts . notably , the eafrd should not finance investments in irrigation which do not contribute towards the achievement , or the preservation , of good status of the associated water body or bodies and investments in afforestation which are not consistent with climate and environmental objectives in line with sustainable forest management principles . ### eafrd should not provide support to investments that would harm the environment . hence it is necessary to provide in this regulation a number of exclusion rules , as well as the possibility to further develop these guarantees in delegated acts . notably , the eafrd should not finance investments in irrigation which do not contribute towards the goals of the water - framework directive and investments in afforestation which are not consistent with climate and environmental objectives in line with sustainable forest management principles .


### planning of production , adjusting production to demand , particularly in terms of quality and quantity , optimisation of production costs and returns on investments and stabilising producer prices ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points , , and of article 6 ; ### planning of production , adjusting production to demand , particularly in terms of quality and quantity , optimisation of production costs and returns on investments , stabilising producer prices and negotiating contracts concerning the provision of agricultural products on behalf of its members ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points , , and of article 6 ;


### support should enable the establishment and implementation of cooperation between at least two entities in view of achieving cap objectives . support can entail all aspects of such cooperation , such as the setting up of quality schemes ; collective environmental and climate action ; the promotion of short supply chain and local markets ; pilot projects ; operational group projects within the eip for agricultural productivity and sustainability local development projects , smart villages , buyers ' clubs and machinery rings ; farm partnerships ; forest management plans ; networks and clusters ; social farming ; community supported agriculture ; actions within the scope of leader ; and the setting up of producer groups and producer organisations , as well as other forms of cooperation deemed necessary to achieve the specific objectives of the cap . ### support should enable the establishment and implementation of cooperation between at least two entities in view of achieving cap objectives . support can entail all aspects of such cooperation , such as the setting up and maintenance of quality schemes ; collective environmental and climate action ; the promotion of short supply chain and local markets ; pilot projects ; operational group projects within the eip for agricultural productivity and sustainability local development projects , smart villages , buyers ' clubs and machinery rings ; farm partnerships ; forest management plans , including agroforestry ; networks and clusters ; social farming ; community supported agriculture ; actions within the scope of leader ; and the setting up of producer groups and producer organisations , as well as other forms of cooperation deemed necessary to achieve the specific objectives of the cap .


### each member state deciding to grant the basic income support based on payment entitlements shall manage a national reserve . ### each member state deciding to grant the basic income support based on payment entitlements shall set up a national reserve , equivalent to a maximum of 3 per cent of the allocations laid down in annex vii to this regulation .


### installation of young farmers and rural business start - up ; ### installation of young farmers , rural business start - ups and women ;


### the reductions referred to in paragraph 6 shall be based on objective and non - discriminatory criteria . without prejudice to the minimum set in accordance with paragraph 5 , such criteria may include the fixing of a maximum decrease that may not be lower than 30% . ### the reductions referred to in paragraph 6 shall be based on objective and non - discriminatory criteria . without prejudice to the minimum set in accordance with paragraph 5 , such criteria may include the fixing of a maximum decrease that may not be higher than 30 % .


### in order to facilitate the management of eafrd funds , a single contribution rate for support from the eafrd should be set in relation to public expenditure in the member states . in order to take account of their particular importance or nature , specific contribution rates should be set in relation to certain types of operations . in order to mitigate the specific constraints resulting from the level of development , the remoteness and insularity , an appropriate eafrd contribution rate should be set for less developed regions , the outermost regions referred to in article 349 tfeu and the smaller aegean islands . ### in order to facilitate the management of eafrd funds , a general contribution rate for support from the eafrd should be set in relation to public expenditure in the member states . in order to take account of their particular importance or nature , specific contribution rates should be set in relation to certain types of operations . in order to mitigate the specific constraints resulting from the level of development , the remoteness and insularity of the outermost regions referred to in article 349 tfeu and the smaller aegean islands as defined in article 1 of regulation no 229 / 2013 and the specific disadvantages for the rest of the island regions , a higher eafrd contribution rate should be set for those regions .


### young farmers and new entrants still face significant barriers regarding access to land , high prices and access to credit . their businesses are more threatened by price volatility and their needs in terms of training in entrepreneurial and risk management skills are high . it is therefore essential to continue the support for the setting up of new businesses and new farms . member states should provide for a strategic approach and identify a clear and coherent set of interventions for generational renewal under the specific objective dedicated to this issue . to this aim , member states may set in their cap strategic plans preferential conditions for financial instruments for young farmers and new entrants , and should include in their cap strategic plan the ring - fencing of at least an amount corresponding to 2% of the annual direct payments ' envelope . an increase of the maximum amount of aid for the installation of young farmers and rural business start - ups , up to eur 100 . 000 , which can be accessed also through or in combination with financial instrument form of support , should be established . ### young farmers still face significant barriers regarding access to land , high prices and access to credit . their businesses are more threatened by price volatility and their needs in terms of training in entrepreneurial and risk management skills are high . it is therefore essential to continue the support for the setting up of new farms . member states should provide for a strategic approach and identify a clear and coherent set of interventions for generational renewal under the specific objective dedicated to this issue . to that end , member states should set in their cap strategic plans preferential conditions for specific financial instruments for young farmers and new entrants , and should include in their cap strategic plan the ring - fencing of at least an amount corresponding to 2% of the annual direct payments ' envelope . an increase of the maximum amount of aid for the installation of young farmers and rural business start - ups , up to eur 100 000 , which can be accessed also through , or in combination with , support in the form of specific financial instruments , should be established .


### ' agricultural area ' shall be defined in a way that it is composed of arable land , permanent crops and permanent grassland . the terms ' arable land ' , ' permanent crops ' and ' permanent grassland ' shall be further specified by member states within the following framework : ### ' agricultural area ' shall be defined in a way that it is composed of arable land , permanent crops , permanent grassland and agroforestry systems . the terms ' arable land ' , ' permanent crops ' ' permanent grassland ' and ' agroforestry systems ' shall be further specified by member states within the following framework :


### as many rural areas in the union suffer from structural problems such as lack of attractive employment opportunities , skill shortages , underinvestment in connectivity , infrastructures and essential services , as well as youth drain , it is fundamental to strengthen the socio - economic fabric in those areas , in line with the cork 2 . 0 . declaration , particularly through job creation and generational renewal , by bringing the commission ' s jobs and growth to rural areas , promoting social inclusion , generational renewal and the development of ‘ smart villages’ across the european countryside . as indicated in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ , new rural value chains such as renewable energy , the emerging bio - economy , the circular economy , and ecotourism can offer good growth and job potential for rural areas . in this context , financial instruments and the use of the investeu guarantee can play a crucial role for ensuring access to financing and for bolstering the growth capacity of farms and enterprises . there is a potential for employment opportunities in rural areas for legally staying third country nationals , promoting their social and economic integration especially in the framework of community - led local development strategies . ### as many rural areas in the union suffer from structural problems such as lack of attractive employment opportunities , skill shortages , underinvestment in connectivity , especially quality broadband services , infrastructures and essential services , as well as youth drain , it is fundamental to strengthen the socio - economic fabric in those areas , in line with the cork 2 . 0 . declaration , particularly through job creation and generational renewal , by bringing the commission ' s jobs and growth to rural areas , promoting social inclusion , generational renewal , greater inclusion of women in the rural economy , and the development of ‘ smart villages’ across the european countryside . as indicated in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ , new rural value chains such as renewable energy , the emerging bio - economy , the circular economy , and ecotourism can offer good growth and job potential for rural areas . . in this context , financial instruments and the use of the investeu guarantee can play a crucial role for ensuring access to financing and for bolstering the growth capacity of farms and enterprises . there is a potential for employment opportunities in rural areas for legally staying third country nationals , promoting their social and economic integration especially in the framework of community - led local development strategies .


### member states may submit to the commission requests to amend their cap strategic plans . ### member states and outermost regions may submit to the commission requests to amend their cap strategic plans .


### investments in tangible and non - tangible assets , in particular focused on water saving , energy saving , ecological packaging and waste reduction ; ### investments in tangible and non - tangible assets , in particular focused on water saving , energy saving , ecological packaging , waste reduction and the monitoring of production , deliveries and flows of stored and traded waste ;


### each member state shall submit to the commission a proposal for a cap strategic plan , containing the information referred to in article 95 no later than 1 january 2020 ] . ### each member state shall submit a proposal for a cap strategic plan , containing the information referred to in article 95 within three years upon adoption of the legal framework for the development of national cap strategic plans .


### member states shall organise each year an annual review meeting with the commission , to be chaired jointly or by the commission , which will take place not earlier than two months after the submission of the annual performance report . ### member states shall organize&#160 ; in every three&#160 ; years a&#160 ; review meeting with the commission , to be chaired jointly , which will take place not earlier than two months after the submission of the&#160 ; triennial performance report .


### a short description of additional national financing which is provided within the scope of the cap strategic plan , including the amounts per measure and indication of compliance with the requirements under this regulation ; ### a short description of additional national financing which is provided within the scope of the cap strategic plan , including the amounts per intervention and indication of compliance with the requirements under this regulation ;


### for the purpose of types of interventions in the form of direct payments , ' eligible hectare ' shall be defined in a way that it includes any agricultural area of the holding : ### for the purpose of types of interventions in the form of direct payments , ' eligible hectare ' shall be defined in a way that it includes any agricultural area of the holding and endows proper rights of use :


### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in articles 4 , 7 , 12 , 15 , 23 , 28 , 32 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 41 , 50 , 78 , 81 , 104 and 141 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of seven years from the date of entry into force of this regulation . the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the seven - year period . the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period . ### the power to adopt delegated acts referred to in articles 4 , 7 , 12 , 15 , 23 , 28 , 32 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 41 , 50 , 78 , 81 , 104 , 110 , 120 and 141 shall be conferred on the commission for a period of seven years from the date of entry into force of this regulation . the commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the seven - year period . the delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration , unless the european parliament or the council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period .


### promotion carried out in third countries , consisting of one or more of the following : ### promotion carried out in third countries , consisting of one or more of the following actions and activities aimed at creating , expanding or consolidating markets :


### the interventions under operational programs of an association of producer organisations are entirely financed by contributions of those member organisations of that association and that such funding is collected from the operational funds of those member organisations ; ### the operations under operational programs of an association of producer organisations are entirely financed by contributions of those member organisations of that association and that such funding is collected from the operational funds of those member organisations ;


### member states shall set an area threshold and only grant decoupled direct payments to genuine farmers whose eligible area of the holding for which decoupled direct payments are claimed goes beyond this area threshold . ### member states shall set an area threshold or a minimum limit for direct payments and only grant direct payments to genuine farmers whose direct payment areas or volumes equal or exceed those thresholds .


### these payments may be granted to farmers , forest holders and other land managers in respect of areas with disadvantages referred to in paragraph 1 . ### these payments may be granted to farmers , groupings of farmers , forest owners and groupings of forest owners . in duly justified cases it may also be granted to other land managers .


### fruit and vegetables sector , as referred to in point of article 1 of regulation no 1308 / 2013 ; ### fruit and vegetables sector , as referred to in point of article 1 of regulation no 1308 / 2013 , including fruit and vegetables for processing ;


### targets and annual milestones established in relation to the relevant specific objective using result indicators ; ### targets established in relation to the relevant specific objective using result indicators ;


### however , it shall continue to apply in respect of aid applications relating to claim years starting before 1 january 2021 . ### however , it shall continue to apply in respect of aid applications relating to claim years starting before 1 january 2023 .


### by way of derogation from article 73 and the first subparagraph , in cases of emergency measures due to natural disasters , catastrophic events or adverse climatic events or a significant and sudden change in the socio - economic conditions of the member state or region , the cap strategic plan may provide that eligibility of eafrd financed expenditure relating to amendments of the plan may start from the date on which the event occurred . ### by way of derogation from article 73 and the first subparagraph , in cases of emergency measures due to natural disasters , catastrophic events or adverse climatic events , including fire , drought and flooding or a significant and sudden change in the socio - economic conditions of the member state or region , the cap strategic plan may provide that eligibility of eafrd financed expenditure relating to amendments of the plan may start from the date on which the event occurred .


### the cap should ensure that member states increase the environmental delivery by respecting local needs and farmers ' actual circumstances . member states should under direct payments in the cap strategic plan set up eco - schemes voluntary for farmers , which should be fully coordinated with the other relevant interventions . they should be defined by the member states as a payment granted either for incentivising and remunerating the provision of public goods by agricultural practices beneficial to the environment and climate or as a compensation for the introduction of these practices . in both cases they should aim at enhancing the environmental and climate performance of the cap and should consequently be conceived to go beyond the mandatory requirements already prescribed by the system of conditionality . member states may decide to set up eco - schemes for agricultural practices such as the enhanced management of permanent pastures and landscape features , and organic farming . these schemes may also include ‘ entry - level schemes’ which may be a condition for taking up more ambitious rural development commitments . ### the cap should ensure that member states increase the environmental delivery by respecting local needs and farmers ' actual circumstances . member states may under direct payments in the cap strategic plan set up eco - schemes voluntary for farmers , which should be fully coordinated with the other relevant interventions . they should be defined by the member states as a payment granted either for incentivising and remunerating the provision of public goods by agricultural practices beneficial to the environment and climate or as a compensation for the introduction of these practices . in both cases they should aim at enhancing the environmental and climate performance of the cap and should consequently be conceived to go beyond the mandatory requirements already prescribed by the system of conditionality . member states may decide to set up eco - schemes for agricultural practices such as the enhanced management of permanent pastures and landscape features , and organic farming . these schemes may also include ‘ entry - level schemes’ which may be a condition for taking up more ambitious rural development commitments .


### 75% of the actual expenditure incurred for the types of intervention referred to in points and of article 60 where the operational program is implemented in at least three third countries or non - producing member states by producer organisations from at least two producing member states , 50% of the actual expenditure where for this type of intervention this condition is not met . ### 75% of the actual expenditure incurred for the types of intervention referred to in points and of article 60 where the operational program is implemented in at least three third countries or non - producing member states by producer organisations or associations of producer organisations from at least two producing member states , 50% of the actual expenditure where for this type of intervention this condition is not met


### animal health and welfare ; ### biosecurity , animal health and welfare ;


### ' arable land ' shall be land cultivated for crop production or areas available for crop production but lying fallow , and include areas set aside in accordance with articles 22 , 23 and 24 of council regulation no 1257 / 199928 , with article 39 of council regulation no 1698 / 200529 , with article 28 of regulation no 1305 / 2013 or with article 65 of this regulation ; _________________ 28 council regulation no 1257 / 1999 of 17 may 1999 on support for rural development from the european agricultural guidance and guarantee fund and amending and repealing certain regulations . 29 council regulation no 1698 / 2005 of 20 september 2005 on support for rural development by the european agricultural fund for rural development . ### ' arable land ' shall be land cultivated for crop production or areas available for crop production but lying fallow , and include areas set aside in accordance with articles 22 , 23 and 24 of council regulation no 1257 / 199928 , with article 39 of council regulation no 1698 / 200529 , with article 28 of regulation no 1305 / 2013 or with article 65 of this regulation as well as land set aside under conditionality , land set aside under measures adopted by the member states , land subject to an obligation to convert arable land into grassland pursuant to eu or member state measures and , where member states so provide , any other land lying fallow or set aside , which was used for the cultivation of arable crops prior to being laid fallow or set aside . _________________ 28 council regulation no 1257 / 1999 of 17 may 1999 on support for rural development from the european agricultural guidance and guarantee fund and amending and repealing certain regulations . 29 council regulation no 1698 / 2005 of 20 september 2005 on support for rural development by the european agricultural fund for rural development .


### ' permanent grassland and permanent pasture ' shall be land not included in the crop rotation of the holding for five years or more , used to grow grasses or other herbaceous forage naturally or through cultivation . it may include other species such as shrubs and / or trees which can be grazed or produce animal feed ; ### ' permanent grassland and permanent pasture ' shall be land not included in the crop rotation of the holding for five years or more , used as naturally or cultivated forage . it includes grasses and other species such as shrubs and / or trees which can be grazed or produce animal feed ;


### the cap strategic plans should aim to ensure enhanced coherence across the multiple tools of the cap , since it should cover types of interventions in the form of direct payments , sectoral types of interventions and types of interventions for rural development . they should also ensure and demonstrate the alignment and appropriateness of the choices made by member states to the union priorities and objectives . it is therefore appropriate that they contain a result - oriented intervention strategy structured around the specific objectives of the cap , including quantified targets in relation to these objectives . in order to allow their monitoring on an annual basis , it is appropriate that these targets are based on result indicators . ### the cap strategic plans should aim to ensure enhanced coherence across the multiple tools of the cap , since it should cover types of interventions in the form of direct payments , sectoral types of interventions and types of interventions for rural development . they should also ensure and demonstrate the alignment and appropriateness of the choices made by member states to the union priorities and objectives . it is therefore appropriate that they contain a result - oriented intervention strategy structured around the specific objectives of the cap , including quantified targets in relation to these objectives . in order to allow their monitoring on a triennial basis , it is appropriate that these targets are based on result indicators .


### ' milestones ' means intermediate targets to be achieved at a given point in time during the cap strategic plan period in relation to the indicators included under a specific objective . ### ' milestones ' means intermediate targets to be achieved at a given point in time during the cap strategic plan period .


### in view of further improving the performance of the cap , income support should be targeted to genuine farmers . in order to ensure a common approach at union level for such a targeting of support , a framework definition for ‘ genuine farmer’ displaying the essential elements should be set out . on the basis of this framework , member states should define in their cap strategic plans which farmers are not considered genuine farmers based on conditions such as income tests , labour inputs on the farm , company object and inclusion in registers . it should also not result in precluding support to pluri - active farmers , who are actively farming but who are also engaged in non - agricultural activities outside their farm , as their multiple activities often strengthen the socio - economic fabric of rural areas . ### in view of further improving the performance of the cap and to ensure the fair distribution of direct payments , income support should be targeted to genuine farmers . in order to ensure a common approach at union level for such a targeting of support , a framework definition for ‘ genuine farmer’ displaying the common elements should be set out . on the basis of this framework , member states should define in their cap strategic plans which farmers are not considered genuine farmers based on conditions such as income tests , labour inputs on the farm , company object and inclusion in registers . it should also not result in precluding support to pluri - active farmers , who are actively farming but who are also engaged in non - agricultural activities outside their farm , as their multiple activities often strengthen the socio - economic fabric of rural areas . the framework definition should , in any case , help to preserve the existing family model of farming which exists in the european union and must be based on a credible agricultural activity as formulated in article 4 of this regulation .


### in order to facilitate the management of eafrd funds , a single contribution rate for support from the eafrd should be set in relation to public expenditure in the member states . in order to take account of their particular importance or nature , specific contribution rates should be set in relation to certain types of operations . in order to mitigate the specific constraints resulting from the level of development , the remoteness and insularity , an appropriate eafrd contribution rate should be set for less developed regions , the outermost regions referred to in article 349 tfeu and the smaller aegean islands . ### inorder to facilitate the management of eafrd funds , a general contribution rate for support from the eafrdshould be set in relation to public expenditure in the member states . in orderto take account of their particular importance or nature , specific contributionrates should be set in relation to certain types of operations . in order tomitigate the specific constraints resulting from the level of development , theremoteness and insularity , a higher eafrd contribution rateshould be set for less developed regions , the outermost regions referred to inarticle 349 tfeu and the smaller aegean islands as defined in article 1of regulation no 229 / 2013 .


### this regulation applies to union support financed by the eagf and the eafrd for interventions specified in a cap strategic plan drawn up by the member states and approved by the commission , covering the period from 1 january 2021 to 31 december 2027 . ### this regulation applies to union support financed by the eagf and the eafrd for interventions specified in a cap strategic plan drawn up by the member states and approved by the commission , covering the period from 1 january 2023 to 31 december 2027 .


### actions to increase the sustainability and efficiency of transport and of storage of products of one or more of the sectors referred to in point of article 40 ; ### actions to increase the sustainability and efficiency of transport and storage of the final product .


### member states shall ensure that all agricultural areas including land which is no longer used for production purposes , is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition . member states shall define , at national or regional level , minimum standards for beneficiaries for good agricultural and environmental condition of land in line with the main objective of the standards as referred to in annex iii , taking into account the specific characteristics of the areas concerned , including soil and climatic condition , existing farming systems , land use , crop rotation , farming practices , and farm structures . ### member states shall ensure that all agricultural areas including land which is no longer used for production purposes , is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition . member states shall define , at national or regional level , minimum standards for beneficiaries for good agricultural and environmental condition of land in line with the main objective of the standards as referred to in annex iii , taking into account the specific characteristics of the areas concerned in line with established local practices , specific objective as set out in article 6 , &#160 ; including soil , water and climatic condition , existing farming systems , land use , crop rotation , farming practices , and farm structures .


### member states shall ensure that all agricultural areas including land which is no longer used for production purposes , is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition . member states shall define , at national or regional level , minimum standards for beneficiaries for good agricultural and environmental condition of land in line with the main objective of the standards as referred to in annex iii , taking into account the specific characteristics of the areas concerned , including soil and climatic condition , existing farming systems , land use , crop rotation , farming practices , and farm structures . ### member states shall ensure that all agricultural areas including land which is no longer used for production purposes , is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition . with that aim in mind , they shall , in particular , seek to establish minimum standards at national , regional - and where appropriate , sub - regional - level for beneficiaries for good agricultural and environmental condition of land in line with the main objective of the standards as referred to in annex iii , taking into account the specific soil and climate conditions and characteristics of the areas concerned , such as existing farming systems , land use , crop rotation , farming practices , and farm structures .


### in view of further improving the performance of the cap , income support should be targeted to genuine farmers . in order to ensure a common approach at union level for such a targeting of support , a framework definition for ‘ genuine farmer’ displaying the essential elements should be set out . on the basis of this framework , member states should define in their cap strategic plans which farmers are not considered genuine farmers based on conditions such as income tests , labour inputs on the farm , company object and inclusion in registers . it should also not result in precluding support to pluri - active farmers , who are actively farming but who are also engaged in non - agricultural activities outside their farm , as their multiple activities often strengthen the socio - economic fabric of rural areas . ### in view of further improving the performance of the cap , income support must be targeted to eligible farmers . in order to ensure a common approach at union level for such a targeting of support , a framework definition of ‘ eligible farmer’ setting out broad criteria would allow member states define in their cap strategic plans which farmers are not considered eligible farmers based on set criteria . it should also not result in precluding support to pluri - active farmers , who are actively farming but who are also engaged in non - agricultural activities outside their farm , as their multiple activities often strengthen the socio - economic fabric of rural areas .


### when setting the area threshold , member states shall aim at ensuring that decoupled direct payments may only be granted to genuine farmers if : ### when setting the area threshold , member states shall aim at ensuring that decoupled direct payments may only be granted if :


### implementation of traceability and certification systems , in particular the monitoring of the quality of products sold to final consumers . ### implementation of traceability and certification systems , in particular the monitoring of the quality of products sold to final consumers ; the systems must make it possible to trace the origin of the olives and the oil at the various stages of the production chain .


### annual performance reports shall set out key qualitative and quantitative information the implementation of the cap strategic plan by reference to financial data , output and result indicators and in accordance with the second paragraph of article 118 . they shall also include information about realised outputs , realised expenditure , realised results and distance to respective targets . ### triennial performance reports shall set out key information the implementation of the cap strategic plan by reference to financial data , output and result indicators and in accordance with the second paragraph of article 118 . they shall also include information about the outputs , the expenditure and the results .


### soil conservation , including the enhancement of soil carbon ; ### soil conservation , prevention of desertification and the enhancement of soil carbon ;


### member states shall ensure redistribution of support from bigger to smaller or medium - sized farms by providing for a redistributive income support in the form of an annual decoupled payment per eligible hectare to farmers who are entitled to a payment under the basic income support referred to in article 17 . ### member states may provide for redistribution of support from bigger to smaller or medium - sized farms by ensuring a redistributive income support in the form of an annual decoupled payment per eligible hectare to farmers who are entitled to a payment under the basic income support referred to in article 17 . member states opting for this instrument shall guarantee a redistribution of at least 15% of the direct payments of each member state which is eligible for them under article 14 . member states shall fix the ceiling for the number of such payment entitlements or eligible hectares . this must correspond at least to the average farm size of each member state .


### the member state shall publish the rules of procedures of the monitoring committee and all the data and information shared with the monitoring committee online . ### the member state and , where appropriate , the regions shall publish the rules of procedures of the monitoring committee and all the data and information shared with the monitoring committee online .


### member states may promote and support collective schemes and result - based payments schemes to encourage farmers to deliver a significant enhancement of the quality of the environment at a larger scale and in a measurable way . ### member states may promote and support collective schemes and result - based payments schemes to encourage farmers to deliver a significant enhancement of the quality of the environment and the development of typical agricultural landscapes at a larger scale and in a measurable way .


### the union financial assistance to the interventions referred to in paragraph 2 shall be maximum 50% of the expenditure . the remaining part of the expenditure shall be borne by the member states . ### the union financial assistance to the interventions referred to in paragraph 2 shall be maximum 75% of the expenditure . the remaining part of the expenditure shall be borne by the member states .


### member states may grant payments for area - specific disadvantages imposed by requirements resulting from the implementation of directives 92 / 43 / eec and 2009 / 147 / ec or directive 2000 / 60 / ec under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans with the view of contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives set out in article 6 . ### member states shall grant payments for area - specific disadvantages imposed by requirements resulting from the implementation of directives 92 / 43 / eec and 2009 / 147 / ec or directive 2000 / 60 / ec under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans with the view of contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives set out in article 6 .


### promotion and marketing of the products of the fruit and vegetables sector , whether in a fresh or processed form ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points and of article 6 ; ### promotion and marketing of the products of the fruit and vegetables sector in order to increase their consumption , whether in a fresh or processed form ; those objectives relate to the specific objectives set out in points , and of article 6 ;


### cap strategic plans to be drawn up by member states , setting targets , defining interventions and allocating financial resources , in line with the specific objectives and identified needs ; ### cap strategic plans to be drawn up by member states states and , where appropriate , together with regions setting targets , defining interventions and allocating financial resources , in line with the specific objectives and identified needs ;


### the monitoring committee shall examine in particular : ### in accordance with its territorial scope , the monitoring committee may examine in particular :


### the estimated product of the reduction of payments shall primarily be used to contribute to the financing of the complementary redistributive income support for sustainability and thereafter of other interventions belonging to decoupled direct payments . ### the estimated product of the reduction of payments shall be prioritised to finance the complementary redistributive income support for sustainability and thereafter of other interventions belonging to decoupled direct payments .


### those practices shall be designed to meet one or more of the specific environmental - and climate - related objectives laid down in points , and of article 6 . ### those practices shall be designed to meet one or more of the specific environmental - and climate - related objectives laid down in points , , and of article 6 .


### ' agricultural area ' shall be defined in a way that it is composed of arable land , permanent crops and permanent grassland . the terms ' arable land ' , ' permanent crops ' and ' permanent grassland ' shall be further specified by member states within the following framework : ### ' agricultural area ' shall be defined in a way that it is composed of arable land , permanent crops , permanent grassland and agroforestry systems . the terms ' arable land ' , ' permanent crops ' ' permanent grassland ' and ' agroforestry systems ' shall be further specified by member states within the following framework :


### a request for amendment of the cap strategic plan may be submitted no more than once per calendar year subject to possible exceptions to be determined by the commission in accordance with article 109 . ### a request for amendment of the cap strategic plan may be submitted no more than once per calendar year subject to possible exceptions to be determined in this regulation and by the commission in accordance with article 109 .


### operational programs of associations of producer organisations shall not cover the same interventions as operational programs of member organisations . member states shall consider operational programs of associations of producer organisations together with operational programs of member organisations . ### associations of producer organisations may submit partial or total operational programmes made up of measures identified , but not delivered , by member organisations in their operational programmes . those programmes shall not cover the same operations as operational programs of member organisations . member states shall consider operational programs of associations of producer organisations together with operational programs of member organisations .


### young farmers and new entrants still face significant barriers regarding access to land , high prices and access to credit . their businesses are more threatened by price volatility and their needs in terms of training in entrepreneurial and risk management skills are high . it is therefore essential to continue the support for the setting up of new businesses and new farms . member states should provide for a strategic approach and identify a clear and coherent set of interventions for generational renewal under the specific objective dedicated to this issue . to this aim , member states may set in their cap strategic plans preferential conditions for financial instruments for young farmers and new entrants , and should include in their cap strategic plan the ring - fencing of at least an amount corresponding to 2% of the annual direct payments ' envelope . an increase of the maximum amount of aid for the installation of young farmers and rural business start - ups , up to eur 100 . 000 , which can be accessed also through or in combination with financial instrument form of support , should be established . ### young farmers still face significant barriers regarding access to land , high prices and access to credit . their businesses are more threatened by price volatility and their needs in terms of training in entrepreneurial and risk management skills are high . it is therefore essential to continue the support for the setting up of new farms . member states should provide for a strategic approach and identify a clear and coherent set of interventions for generational renewal under the specific objective dedicated to this issue . to that end , member states should set in their cap strategic plans preferential conditions for specific financial instruments for young farmers and new entrants , and should include in their cap strategic plan the ring - fencing of at least an amount corresponding to 2% of the annual direct payments ' envelope . an increase of the maximum amount of aid for the installation of young farmers and rural business start - ups , up to eur 100 000 , which can be accessed also through , or in combination with , support in the form of specific financial instruments , should be established .


### member states shall grant decoupled direct payments under the conditions set out in this section and as further specified in their cap strategic plans . ### member states shall grant direct payments under the conditions set out in this section and as further specified in their cap strategic plans .


### member states shall only grant payments to farmers and other beneficiaries who undertake , on a voluntary basis , management commitments which are considered to be beneficial to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 . ### member states shall only grant payments to farmers , groupings of farmers and other land managers who undertake , on a voluntary basis , management commitments which are considered to be beneficial to achieving the specific objectives that are relevant , of those set out in article 6 .


### go beyond the minimum requirements for the use of fertiliser and plant protection products , animal welfare , as well as other mandatory requirements established by national and union law ; ### go beyond the minimum requirements for the use of fertiliser and plant protection products , animal welfare , as well as other mandatory requirements established by union law ;


### member states shall ensure that interventions are set out on the basis of objective and non - discriminatory criteria , are compatible with the internal market and do not distort competition . ### member states shall ensure that interventions are set out on the basis of objective and non - discriminatory criteria which do not impede the proper functioning of the internal market .


### member states should set farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation . ### member states should set farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation . any eu initiatives regarding advisory services and innovation systems must build , whenever possible , upon already existing ones at ms level and focus on delivering added value .


### member states shall establish the list of agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environment . ### member states shall establish the list of agricultural practices beneficial for the climate , the environment and the wellbeing of farmed animals .


### actions to increase the sustainability and efficiency of transport and of storage of products of one or more of the sectors referred to in point of article 40 ; ### actions to increase the sustainability and efficiency of transport and of storage of products of one or more of the sectors referred to in point of article 39 ;


### use of wine making by - products for industrial and energy purposes ensuring the quality of union wine while protecting the environment ; that objective relates to the specific objectives set out in points and of article 6 ; ### use of wine making by - products for industrial , agronomic and energy purposes ensuring the quality of union wine while protecting the environment ; that objective relates to the specific objectives set out in points and of article 6 ;


### the data transmitted shall relate to achieved values for indicators for partial and fully implemented interventions . they shall also set out a synthesis of the state of implementation of the cap strategic plan realised during the previous financial year , any issues which affect the performance of the cap strategic plan , in particular as regards deviations from milestones , giving reasons and , where relevant , describing the measures taken . ### the data transmitted shall relate to achieved values for indicators for partial and fully implemented interventions . they shall also set out a synthesis of the state of implementation of the cap strategic plan realised , any issues which affect the performance of the cap strategic plan , in particular as regards deviations from milestones , giving reasons and , where relevant , describing the measures taken .


### a definition of a beehive and methods for calculating the number of beehives ; ### a definition of a beehive and methods for calculating the number of beehives and bee colonies ;


### preparation of technical files , including laboratory tests and assessments , concerning oenological practices , phytosanitary and hygiene rules , as well as other third country requirements for import of products of the wine sector , to facilitate access to third country markets ; ### preparation of technical files , including laboratory tests and assessments , concerning oenological practices , phytosanitary and hygiene rules , as well as other third country requirements for import of products of the wine sector , to prevent restriction of , or to facilitate access to third country markets ;


### in order to ensure that the setting of targets by member states and that the design of interventions is appropriate and maximises the contribution to the objectives of the cap , it is necessary to base the strategy of the cap strategic plans on a prior analysis of the local contexts and an assessment of needs in relation to the objectives of the cap . ### in order to ensure that the setting of targets by member states and that the design of interventions is appropriate and maximises the contribution to the objectives of the cap , it is necessary to base the strategy of the cap strategic plans on a prior analysis of the local contexts and an assessment of needs in relation to the objectives of the cap . it is also important that the cap strategic plans can adequately reflect changes in ms conditions , structures and market situation and can , therefore , be adjusted over time to reflect them .


### the objectives of the cap should also be pursued through support for investments , productive as well as non - productive , on farm as well as off - farm . such investments may concern , inter alia , infrastructures related to the development , modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry , including access to farm and forest land , land consolidation and improvement , agro - forestry practices and the supply and saving of energy and water . in order to better ensure the consistency of the cap strategic plans with union objectives , as well as a level playing field between member states , a negative list of investment topics is included in this regulation . ### the objectives of the cap should also be pursued through support for investments , productive as well as non - productive , on farm as well as off - farm . such investments may concern , inter alia , infrastructures related to the development , modernisation or adaptation to climate change of agriculture and forestry , including access to farm and forest land , land consolidation and improvement , agro - forestry practices and the supply and saving of energy and water , adapted seeds and animal breeds for improved efficiency . in order to better ensure the consistency of the cap strategic plans with union objectives , as well as a level playing field between member states , a negative list of investment topics is included in this regulation as well as indicative positive list .


### annual performance reports shall set out key qualitative and quantitative information the implementation of the cap strategic plan by reference to financial data , output and result indicators and in accordance with the second paragraph of article 118 . they shall also include information about realised outputs , realised expenditure , realised results and distance to respective targets . ### triennial performance reports shall set out key information the implementation of the cap strategic plan by reference to financial data , output and result indicators and in accordance with the second paragraph of article 118 . they shall also include information about the outputs , the expenditure and the results .


### in respect of the main objectives laid down in annex iii member states may prescribe standards additional to those laid down in that annex against those main objectives . however , member states shall not define minimum standards for main objectives other than the main objectives laid down in annex iii . ### member states may not define minimum standards for main objectives other than those laid down in annex iii .


### the cap should ensure that member states increase the environmental delivery by respecting local needs and farmers ' actual circumstances . member states should under direct payments in the cap strategic plan set up eco - schemes voluntary for farmers , which should be fully coordinated with the other relevant interventions . they should be defined by the member states as a payment granted either for incentivising and remunerating the provision of public goods by agricultural practices beneficial to the environment and climate or as a compensation for the introduction of these practices . in both cases they should aim at enhancing the environmental and climate performance of the cap and should consequently be conceived to go beyond the mandatory requirements already prescribed by the system of conditionality . member states may decide to set up eco - schemes for agricultural practices such as the enhanced management of permanent pastures and landscape features , and organic farming . these schemes may also include ‘ entry - level schemes’ which may be a condition for taking up more ambitious rural development commitments . ### the cap should ensure that member states increase the environmental delivery by respecting local needs and farmers ' actual circumstances . member states should under direct payments in the cap strategic plan set up eco - schemes voluntary for farmers , which should be fully coordinated with the other relevant interventions . they should be defined by the member states as a payment granted either for incentivising and remunerating the provision of public goods by agricultural practices beneficial to the environment and climate or as a compensation for the introduction of these practices . in both cases they should aim at enhancing the environmental and climate performance of the cap and should consequently be conceived to go beyond the mandatory requirements already prescribed by the system of conditionality . member states may decide to set up eco - schemes to promote production models that are beneficial for the environment , particularly extensive livestock rearing , and to promote all kinds of agricultural practices such as , among other measures , the enhanced management of permanent pastures , landscape features , and environmental certification schemes , such as organic farming , integrated production or conservation agriculture . these schemes may include measures of a type other than rural development environmental and climate commitments , as well as measures of the same type that may be classified as ‘ entry - level schemes’ which may be a condition for taking up more ambitious rural development commitments .


### that , during the year for which support is requested , is used for an agricultural activity or , where the area is also used for non - agricultural activities , is predominantly used for agricultural activities , and which is at the farmer ' s disposal . where duly justified for environmental reasons , eligible hectares may also include certain areas used for agricultural activities only every second year . ### that , during the year for which support is requested , is used for an agricultural activity or , where the area is also used for non - agricultural activities , is predominantly used for agricultural activities , and which is at the farmer ' s disposal . where duly justified for environmental reasons , eligible hectares may also include certain areas used for agricultural activities only every third year .


### that , during the year for which support is requested , is used for an agricultural activity or , where the area is also used for non - agricultural activities , is predominantly used for agricultural activities , and which is at the farmer ' s disposal . where duly justified for environmental reasons , eligible hectares may also include certain areas used for agricultural activities only every second year . ### that , during the year for which support is requested , is used for an agricultural activity or , where the area is also used for non - agricultural activities , is predominantly used for agricultural activities , and which is at the farmer ' s disposal .


### the use of common definitions entirely set at union level has caused certain difficulties for member states to cater their own specificities at national , regional , and local level . member states should therefore be given the flexibility to specify certain definitions in their cap strategic plan . in order to ensure a common level playing field , a certain framework has , however , to be set at union level constituting the necessary essential elements to be included in those definitions . ### member states should be given the flexibility to specify certain definitions in their cap strategic plan . in order to ensure a common level playing field , a certain framework has , however , to be set at union level constituting the necessary common elements to be included in those definitions .


### a set of common context , output , result and impact indicators , including those referred to in article 7 which will be used as the basis for monitoring , evaluation and the annual performance reporting ; ### a set of common context , output , result and impact indicators , including those referred to in article 7 which will be used as the basis for monitoring , evaluation and the performance reporting ;


### each amendment of the cap strategic plan shall be approved by the commission by means of an implementing decision without applying the committee procedure referred to in article 139 . ### each amendment of the cap strategic plan shall be approved by the commission by means of an implementing decision without applying the committee procedure referred to in article 139 , while the european parliament and the given national parliament are duly informed .


### young farmers and new entrants still face significant barriers regarding access to land , high prices and access to credit . their businesses are more threatened by price volatility and their needs in terms of training in entrepreneurial and risk management skills are high . it is therefore essential to continue the support for the setting up of new businesses and new farms . member states should provide for a strategic approach and identify a clear and coherent set of interventions for generational renewal under the specific objective dedicated to this issue . to this aim , member states may set in their cap strategic plans preferential conditions for financial instruments for young farmers and new entrants , and should include in their cap strategic plan the ring - fencing of at least an amount corresponding to 2% of the annual direct payments ' envelope . an increase of the maximum amount of aid for the installation of young farmers and rural business start - ups , up to eur 100 . 000 , which can be accessed also through or in combination with financial instrument form of support , should be established . ### young farmers still face significant barriers regarding access to land , high prices and access to credit . their businesses are more threatened by price volatility and their needs in terms of training in entrepreneurial and risk management skills are high . it is therefore essential to continue the support for the setting up of new farms . member states should provide for a strategic approach and identify a clear and coherent set of interventions for generational renewal under the specific objective dedicated to this issue . to that end , member states should set in their cap strategic plans preferential conditions for specific financial instruments for young farmers and new entrants , and should include in their cap strategic plan the ring - fencing of at least an amount corresponding to 2% of the annual direct payments ' envelope . an increase of the maximum amount of aid for the installation of young farmers and rural business start - ups , up to eur 100 000 , which can be accessed also through , or in combination with , support in the form of specific financial instruments , should be established .


### support for management commitments may include organic farming premia for the maintenance of and the conversion to organic land ; payments for other types of interventions supporting environmentally friendly production systems such as agro - ecology , conservation agriculture and integrated production ; forest environmental and climate services and forest conservation ; premia for forests and establishment of agroforestry systems ; animal welfare ; conservation , sustainable use and development of genetic resources . member states may develop other schemes under this type of interventions on the basis of their needs . this type of payments should cover additional costs and income foregone only resulting from commitments going beyond the baseline of mandatory standards and requirements established in union and national law , as well as conditionality , as laid down in the cap strategic plan . commitments related to this type of interventions may be undertaken for a pre - established annual or pluri - annual period and might go beyond seven years where duly justified . ### support for management commitments may include organic farming premia for the maintenance of and the conversion to organic land ; payments for other types of interventions supporting environmentally friendly production systems such as agro - ecology , conservation agriculture , integrated production , digital agriculture and precision agriculture ; forest environmental and climate services and forest conservation ; premia for forests and establishment of agroforestry systems , the maintenance of perennial agricultural tree crops and vineyards exploiting agricultural land on terraces and steep slopes ; animal welfare ; conservation , sustainable use and development of genetic resources . member states may develop other schemes under this type of interventions on the basis of their needs . this type of payments should cover additional costs and income foregone only resulting from commitments going beyond the baseline of mandatory standards and requirements established in union and national law , as well as conditionality , as laid down in the cap strategic plan . commitments related to this type of interventions may be undertaken for a pre - established annual or pluri - annual period and might go beyond seven years where duly justified .


### at least 30% of the total eafrd contribution to the cap strategic plan as set out in annex ix shall be reserved for interventions addressing the specific environmental - and climate - related objectives set out in points , and of article 6 of this regulation , excluding interventions based on article 66 . ### 30% of the eagf and at least 30% of the total eafrd contribution to the cap strategic plan as set out in annex ix shall be reserved for interventions addressing the specific environmental - and climate - related objectives set out in points , and of article 6 of this regulation , excluding interventions based on article 66 .


### member states should set farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate advisors within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation . ### member states should set up farm advisory services for the purpose of improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses , covering economic , environmental and social dimensions , and to identify the necessary improvements as regards all measures at farm level provided for in the cap strategic plans . these farm advisory services should help farmers and other beneficiaries of cap support to become more aware of the relationship between farm management and land management on the one hand , and certain standards , requirements and information , including environmental and climate ones , on the other hand . the list of the latter includes standards applying to or necessary for farmers and other cap beneficiaries and set in the cap strategic plan , as well as those stemming from the legislation on water , on the sustainable use of pesticides , as well as the initiatives to combat antimicrobial resistance and the management of risks . in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice , member states should integrate farm advisory bodies within the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems , in order to be able to deliver up - to - date technological and scientific information developed by research and innovation .


### young farmers and new entrants still face significant barriers regarding access to land , high prices and access to credit . their businesses are more threatened by price volatility and their needs in terms of training in entrepreneurial and risk management skills are high . it is therefore essential to continue the support for the setting up of new businesses and new farms . member states should provide for a strategic approach and identify a clear and coherent set of interventions for generational renewal under the specific objective dedicated to this issue . to this aim , member states may set in their cap strategic plans preferential conditions for financial instruments for young farmers and new entrants , and should include in their cap strategic plan the ring - fencing of at least an amount corresponding to 2% of the annual direct payments ' envelope . an increase of the maximum amount of aid for the installation of young farmers and rural business start - ups , up to eur 100 . 000 , which can be accessed also through or in combination with financial instrument form of support , should be established . ### young farmers and new entrants still face significant barriers regarding access to land , high prices and access to credit . their businesses are more threatened by price volatility and their needs in terms of training in entrepreneurial and risk management skills are high . vocational training is fundamental to help young farmers with the uptake of innovation and new technologies which will , in turn , improve their competitiveness and sustainability . it is therefore essential to continue the support for the setting up of new businesses and new farms . member states should provide for a strategic approach and identify a clear and coherent set of interventions for generational renewal under the specific objective dedicated to this issue . these interventions would only constitute a good option if there is a clear and continued direct benefit for young farmers to start or develop their business . to this aim , member states may set in their cap strategic plans preferential conditions for financial instruments for young farmers and new entrants , and should include in their cap strategic plan the ring - fencing of at least an amount corresponding to 2% of the annual direct payments ' envelope . an increase of the maximum amount of aid for the installation of young farmers and rural business start - ups , up to eur 100 . 000 , which can be accessed also through or in combination with financial instrument form of support , should be established .


### the eafrd should support through technical assistance , at the initiative of the commission , actions relating to the fulfilment of the tasks referred to in [ article 7 hzr ] . technical assistance may also be provided , at the initiative of member states , for the purpose of the fulfilment of the tasks necessary for the effective administration and implementation of support in relation to the cap strategic plan . an increase of the technical assistance at the initiative of member states is only available for malta . ### the eafrd should support through technical assistance , at the initiative of the commission , actions relating to the fulfilment of the tasks referred to in [ article 7 hzr ] . technical assistance may also be provided , at the initiative of member states , for the purpose of the fulfilment of the tasks necessary for the effective administration and implementation of support in relation to the cap strategic plan . the overall amount for the support from eafrd for technical assistance should be increased to 5 % of the financial allocation for eafrd . an increase of the technical assistance at the initiative of member states is only available for malta .


### 50% of eligible investment costs in less developed regions ; ### 50% of eligible investment costs in regions other than less developed regions and in island regions other than those referred to in points and ;


### the commission shall assess the proposed cap strategic plans on the basis of the completeness of the plans , the consistency and coherence with the general principles of union law , with this regulation and the provisions adopted pursuant to it and with the horizontal regulation , their effective contribution to the specific objectives set out in article 6 , the impact on the proper functioning of the internal market and distortion of competition , the level of administrative burden on beneficiaries and administration . the assessment shall address , in particular , the adequacy of the strategy of the cap strategic plan , the corresponding specific objectives , targets , interventions and the allocation of budgetary resources to meet the specific cap strategic plan objectives through the proposed set of interventions on the basis of the swot analysis and the ex - ante evaluation . ### the commission shall assess the proposed cap strategic plans , as well as the rural development interventions managed at regional level , addressing the adequacy of the strategy of the cap strategic plan , the corresponding specific objectives , targets , interventions and the allocation of budgetary resources to meet the specific cap strategic plan objectives through the proposed set of interventions on the basis of the swot analysis and the ex - ante evaluation .


### member states may only grant support under this type of interventions for tangible and / or intangible investments , which contribute to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 . support to the forestry sector shall be based on a forest management plan or equivalent instrument . ### member states may only grant support under this type of interventions for tangible and / or intangible investments , which contribute to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 . for holdings above a certain size , to be determined by the member states , support to the forestry sector shall be based on a forest management plan or equivalent instrument .


### the methodology for the calculation of losses and triggering factors for compensation ; ### the methodology for the calculation of losses and triggering factors for compensation , particularly use of biological , climate or economic indicators established at the level of the holding , or at local , regional or national level to calculate the farmer’s annual production or the farmer’s annual losses ;


### in order to give substance to the objectives of the cap as established by article 39 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , as well as to ensure that the union adequately addresses its most recent challenges , it is appropriate to provide for a set of general objectives reflecting the orientations given in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ . a set of specific objectives should be further defined at union level and applied by the member states in their cap strategic plans . while striking a balance across the dimensions of sustainable development , in line with the impact assessment , these specific objectives should translate the general objectives of the cap into more concrete priorities and take into account relevant union legislation , particularly with regard to climate , energy and environment . ### in order to give substance to the objectives of the cap as established by article 39 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , while protecting its commonality , as well as to ensure that the union adequately addresses its most recent challenges , and international commitments , it is appropriate to provide for a set of general objectives reflecting the orientations given in the communication on ‘ the future of food and farming’ . a set of specific objectives should be further defined at union level and applied by the member states in their cap strategic plans . in order to strike a balance across the dimensions of sustainable development , while preserving the principles of fairness and equality , member states should be required to take action to achieve all specific objectives . these specific objectives should translate the general objectives of the cap into more concrete priorities and take into account relevant union legislation , particularly with regard to climate , energy , animal welfare , and environment .


### small farms remain a cornerstone of union agriculture as they play a vital role in supporting rural employment and contribute to territorial development . in order to promote a more balanced distribution of support and to reduce administrative burden for beneficiaries of small amounts , member states should have the option of offering to small farmers the possibility of replacing the other direct payments by providing a round some payment for small farmers . ### small farms remain a cornerstone of union agriculture as they play a vital role in supporting rural employment and contribute to territorial development . in order to promote a more balanced distribution of support and to reduce administrative burden for beneficiaries of small amounts , member states should have the option of offering to small farmers the possibility of replacing direct payments by providing a round some payment . however , with a view to further reducing the administrative burden , member states must be authorised to automatically include certain farmers , initially , within the simplified scheme , offering them the possibility of withdrawing from it by a specific deadline . in line with the principle of proportionality , the member states must be given the possibility of exempting small farmers that participate in the simplified scheme from cross - compliance checks .


### annual performance reports ### performance reports in every three years


### member states may make support under this type of interventions available throughout their territories , in accordance with their national , regional or local specific needs . ### member states shall make support under this type of interventions available throughout their territories , in accordance with their national , regional or local specific needs .


### studies of new markets , necessary for the expansion of market outlets ; ### studies of new or existing markets , necessary for the expansion and consolidation of market outlets


### as part of their obligations to contribute to the specific objective ‘ attract young farmers and facilitate business development in rural areas’ set out in point of article 6 and to dedicate at least 2% of their allocations for direct payments to this objective in accordance with article 86 , member states may provide a complementary income support for young farmers who have newly set up for the first time and who are entitled to a payment under the basic income support as referred to in article 17 . ### as part of their obligation to contribute to the specific objective ‘ attract young farmers and facilitate business development in rural areas’ set out in point of article 6 , member states shall dedicate at least 4% of their allocations for direct payments to provide support for young farmers who have set up for the first time and who are entitled to a payment under the basic income support as referred to in article 17 .


### a managing authority should be responsible for the management and implementation of each cap strategic plan . its duties should be specified in this regulation . the managing authority should be able to delegate part of its duties while retaining responsibility for the efficiency and correctness of management . member states should ensure that in the management and implementation of cap strategic plans , the financial interests of the union are protected , in accordance with [ regulation x ] of the european parliament and the council [ the new financial regulation ] and regulation x of the european parliament and the council [ the new horizontal regulation ] . ### a managing authority should be responsible for the management and implementation of each cap strategic plan . however , where elements relating to rural development policy are treated on a regional basis , member states may establish regional managing authorities . their duties should be specified in this regulation . the managing authority should be able to delegate part of its duties while retaining responsibility for the efficiency and correctness of management . member states should ensure that in the management and implementation of cap strategic plans , the financial interests of the union are protected , in accordance with [ regulation x ] of the european parliament and the council [ the new financial regulation ] and regulation x of the european parliament and the council [ the new horizontal regulation ] .


### tangible and intangible investments in processing facilities and winery infrastructure , as well as marketing structures and tools ; ### tangible and intangible investments in processing facilities and winery infrastructure , winegrowing in steep and terraced areas as well as marketing structures and tools ;


### producer organisations operating in different member states implementing interventions linked to the objectives referred to in points and of article 42 transnationally ; ### producer organisations and associations of producer organisations operating in different member states implementing interventions linked to one of the objectives referred to in article 42 transnationally ;


### the start - up of rural business linked to agriculture and forestry or farm household income diversification ; ### the start - up and development of rural business activities linked to agriculture , forestry , bioeconomy and circular economy , tourism and other sectors in rural areas or farm household income diversification ;


### the member states’ interventions shall help the supported sectors and productions or specific types of farming therein listed in article 30 addressing the difficulty or difficulties they undergo by improving their competitiveness , their sustainability or their quality . ### the member states’ interventions shall help the supported sectors and productions or specific types of farming therein listed in article 30 by supporting their efforts to improve their competitiveness , their structuring , their sustainability or their quality .


### member states may grant support for the installation of young farmers and rural business start - up under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans with the view of contributing to the achievement of the specific objectives set out in article 6 . ### member states may grant support for the installation of young farmers , new farmers , early retirement schemes , rural business start - up and scaling up of rural micro and small enterprises that create and sustain jobs under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans with the view of contributing to the achievement of one or more of the specific objectives set out in article 6 .


### member states shall set an area threshold and only grant decoupled direct payments to genuine farmers whose eligible area of the holding for which decoupled direct payments are claimed goes beyond this area threshold . ### member states shall set an area threshold or a minimum limit for direct payments and only grant direct payments to genuine farmers whose direct payment areas or volumes equal or exceed those thresholds .


### the management of the corresponding payments does not cause excessive administrative burden , and ### the management of the corresponding payments equalling or exceeding those thresholds does not cause excessive administrative burden , and


### expenditure shall be eligible for a contribution from the eafrd if it has been incurred by a beneficiary and paid by 31 december [ 2029 ] . in addition , expenditure shall only be eligible for a contribution from the eafrd if the relevant aid is actually paid by the paying agency by 31 december [ 2029 ] . ### expenditure shall be eligible for a contribution from the eafrd if it has been incurred by a beneficiary and paid by 31 december [ 2030 ] . in addition , expenditure shall only be eligible for a contribution from the eafrd if the relevant aid is actually paid by the paying agency by 31 december [ 2030 ] .


### 4member states shall provide in their cap strategic plan the definitions of agricultural activity , agricultural area , eligible hectare , genuine farmer and young farmer : ### 4definitions


### environmental , climate and other management commitments ; ### encouraging environmental sustainability , climate mitigation and adaption measures including appropriate protection of wetlands and organic soils together with other management commitments beneficial to the environment ;


### boosting products ' commercial value and quality , including improving product quality and developing products with a protected designation of origin , with a protected geographical indication or covered by a national quality schemes ; those objectives relate to the specific objective set out in point of article 6 ; ### boosting products ' commercial value and quality , including improving processing and product quality and developing products with a protected designation of origin , with a protected geographical indication , eco - labelling or covered by a public or private quality scheme ; those objectives relate to the specific objective set out in point of article 6 ;


### expenditure that becomes eligible as a result of an amendment to a cap strategic plan shall be eligible for a contribution from the eafrd from the date of submission to the commission of the request for amendment . ### expenditure that becomes eligible as a result of an amendment to a cap strategic plan shall be eligible for a contribution from the eafrd and the eagf from the date of submission to the commission of the request for amendment .


### member states may grant support for investments under the conditions set out in this article and as further specified in their cap strategic plans . ### member states may only grant support under this type of interventions for tangible and / or intangible investments , including in collective form and for collective use , which contribute to achieving the specific objectives set out in article 6 , especially with reference to boosting competitiveness .


### the annual review meeting shall aim at examining the performance of each plan , including progress made towards achieving established targets , any issues affecting performance and past or future actions to be taken to address them . ### the review meeting shall aim at examining the performance of each plan , including progress made towards achieving established targets , any issues affecting performance and past or future actions to be taken to address them .


### support for direct payments under the cap strategic plans should be granted within national allocations to be fixed by this regulation . these national allocations should reflect a continuation of the changes whereby the allocations to member states with the lowest support level per hectare are gradually increased to close 50% of the gap towards 90% of the union average . in order to take into account the reduction of payments ' mechanism and the use of its product in the member state , the total indicative financial allocations per year in the cap strategic plan of a member state should be allowed to exceed the national allocation . ### support for direct payments under the cap strategic plans should be granted within national allocations to be fixed by this regulation .


### chapter iii of title ii , chapter ii of title iii and articles 41 and 43 of regulation [ cpr ] of the european parliament and of the council26 shall apply to support financed by the eafrd under this regulation . _________________ 26 regulation [ … / … ] of the european parliament and of the council of [ date ] [ full tittle ] . ### chapter ii of title iii and articles 41 and 43 of regulation [ cpr ] of the european parliament and of the council26 shall apply to support financed by the eafrd under this regulation . _________________ 26 regulation [ … / … ] of the european parliament and of the council of [ date ] [ full tittle ] .


### member states shall set an area threshold and only grant decoupled direct payments to genuine farmers whose eligible area of the holding for which decoupled direct payments are claimed goes beyond this area threshold . ### member states shall set a minimum total amount of direct payments claimed or to be granted in a calendar year and / or a minimum eligible holding area and shall only grant decoupled direct payments to genuine farmers if the amount of direct payments or the eligible area of the holding for which decoupled direct payments are claimed goes beyond these thresholds .


### in respect of constraints arising from directive 2000 / 60 / ec , in relation to disadvantages resulting from requirements that go beyond the relevant statutory management requirements , with the exception of smr 2 as referred to in annex iii , and standards of good agricultural and environmental condition established under section 2 of chapter i of this title as well as the conditions established for the maintenance of the agricultural area in accordance with point of article 4 of this regulation . ### in respect of constraints arising from directive 2000 / 60 / ec , in relation to disadvantages resulting from requirements that go beyond the relevant statutory management requirements , with the exception of smr 1 as referred to in annex iii , and standards of good agricultural and environmental condition established under section 2 of chapter i of this title as well as the conditions established for the maintenance of the agricultural area in accordance with point of article 4 of this regulation .


### the annual performance reports , as well as a summary for citizens of their content , shall be made available to the public . ### a summary of the content of the multiannual performance reports shall be produced for citizens and made available to the public .


### member states shall set an area threshold and only grant decoupled direct payments to genuine farmers whose eligible area of the holding for which decoupled direct payments are claimed goes beyond this area threshold . ### member states shall set a minium area threshold and only grant decoupled direct payments to farmers whose eligible area of the holding for which decoupled direct payments are claimed goes beyond this area threshold .


### ' agricultural area ' shall be defined in a way that it is composed of arable land , permanent crops and permanent grassland . the terms ' arable land ' , ' permanent crops ' and ' permanent grassland ' shall be further specified by member states within the following framework : ### ' agricultural area ' shall be defined in a way that it is composed of arable land , permanent crops , permanent grassland and agroforestry systems . the terms ' arable land ' , ' permanent crops ' ' permanent grassland ' and ' agroforestry systems ' shall be further specified by member states within the following framework :


### young farmers and new entrants still face significant barriers regarding access to land , high prices and access to credit . their businesses are more threatened by price volatility and their needs in terms of training in entrepreneurial and risk management skills are high . it is therefore essential to continue the support for the setting up of new businesses and new farms . member states should provide for a strategic approach and identify a clear and coherent set of interventions for generational renewal under the specific objective dedicated to this issue . to this aim , member states may set in their cap strategic plans preferential conditions for financial instruments for young farmers and new entrants , and should include in their cap strategic plan the ring - fencing of at least an amount corresponding to 2% of the annual direct payments ' envelope . an increase of the maximum amount of aid for the installation of young farmers and rural business start - ups , up to eur 100 . 000 , which can be accessed also through or in combination with financial instrument form of support , should be established . ### young farmers still face significant barriers regarding access to land , high prices and access to credit . their businesses are more threatened by price volatility and their needs in terms of training in entrepreneurial and risk management skills are high . it is therefore essential to continue the support for the setting up of new farms . member states should provide for a strategic approach and identify a clear and coherent set of interventions for generational renewal under the specific objective dedicated to this issue . to that end , member states should set in their cap strategic plans preferential conditions for specific financial instruments for young farmers and new entrants , and should include in their cap strategic plan the ring - fencing of at least an amount corresponding to 4% of the annual direct payments ' envelope . an increase of the maximum amount of aid for the installation of young farmers and rural business start - ups , up to eur 100 000 , which can be accessed also through , or in combination with , support in the form of specific financial instruments , should be established .