Portugal's Agricultural Minister Confirms No Rate Limiting in Eco-Regimes for 2025

In an interview with Agroportal regarding the applications for the Single Request (PU) opening on February 17, Portugal's Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, José Manuel Fernandes, expressed confidence that there will be no rate limiting in eco-regimes this year. He elaborated on how the Base Income Support (ARB) has increased by €44/ha on average and confirmed an increase in the premium for young farmers.

Application Period for Single Request (PU)

The applications for the Single Request will open earlier than previously scheduled, running from February 17 to May 15. The Minister emphasized the importance of adhering to these deadlines, as they will not be extended. He thanked the technicians from the confederations involved in the application process, aiming to reduce bureaucracy.

Legislation and Technical Guidelines Ready

All necessary legislation is prepared, including the Specific Technical Guidelines (OTE), which will be available on the PEPAC website for public access at the time of application opening.

Key Changes for This Campaign

Significant changes stem from the reprogramming approved by the European Commission on February 4. The goal is to increase farmers' income and promote generational renewal. The average ARB has risen from approximately €82/ha to €126/ha, with doubled support for young farmers. The government also aims to provide accessible credit lines for investments, allocating €150 million this year alone.

Mechanism for ARB Increase

The increase in ARB is made possible by reallocating measures from the first pillar of the CAP to the second pillar. This change frees up €131 million for income support without altering the national envelope from the EU budget. Additionally, an extra €60 million per year until 2029 has been added to the national public counterpart for the second pillar.

Investment Support Remains Strong

Despite concerns, investment support is expected to remain robust, with €245 million available annually, surpassing previous averages. The government is also working on new credit lines that could mobilize up to €1.15 billion.

Eco-regimes Transition

The transition of Organic Farming and PRODI from direct payments to rural development has been formally approved. Environmental commitments will last for three years, and there will be no rate limiting this year due to a reinforcement of €190 million in the second pillar.

Support for Young Farmers

The reprogramming of PEPAC significantly increases funding for young farmers, with installation premiums doubling to €55,000 in vulnerable regions and the maximum support limit rising from €208,000 to €400,000.

Credit: Jorge Oliveira/Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries

Simplifying Processes

In this application period, farmers will only need a single beneficiary number for accessing the system, promoting simplification and interoperability among agencies. A €3.9 million funding initiative is underway to digitize these processes.

Future of Common Agricultural Policy

Looking ahead, the Minister highlighted the need to maintain both pillars of the CAP in the upcoming financial framework while preparing for potential reductions in funding. He stressed the importance of food security and agricultural autonomy as priorities for the European Union.