A significant new position paper has been released by Barry Cowen, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), outlining a vision for European agriculture and the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the period following 2027. As the shadow rapporteur for Renew Europe concerning the Parliament’s report on the future of agriculture, Cowen’s paper represents a detailed framework that he intends to use in legislative negotiations.

Central to Cowen’s proposals is the introduction of a third standalone environmental pillar within CAP, which he argues should be supported by a substantial increase in CAP funding.

He warns that without such an increase in the upcoming 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the real value of CAP could decline significantly due to inflation, potentially leading to a shortfall of around €250 billion by 2034. Cowen emphasizes that in light of increasing security concerns, food security should be recognized as essential for Europe’s strategic defense, justifying a protected allocation of public funds for agriculture.

In addressing the challenges facing rural development, the proposals highlight the need for enhanced financial and policy measures aimed at generational renewal in farming, which Cowen describes as an ‘existential threat’ to rural communities.

Suggested initiatives include improving income support for young farmers, facilitating access to land and financing, and fostering stronger private-public partnerships to promote sustainability and technological advancements in agriculture.

Additionally, Cowen calls for major simplifications within CAP’s operational framework.

He advocates for reducing administrative burdens on farmers, moving away from the current income foregone payment model, and addressing the bureaucratic hurdles that were cited as a primary concern by farmers during recent elections.

Further recommendations aim to bolster farmers' positions in the food supply chain and ensure that international trade agreements, particularly the Mercosur trade deal, align with EU standards on environmental protection, labor rights, and food safety.

Cowen intends to leverage the position paper as a foundational tool during negotiations in Parliament.

He has already submitted 52 amendments aimed at advocating for an ambitious yet balanced parliamentary position that reflects the realities faced by farmers across Europe.

Throughout the development of the position paper, Cowen has engaged with various stakeholders, including farmers, new entrants to the agricultural field, producer organizations, environmental experts, and policymakers.

He asserts that this collaborative process has informed the proposals outlined in the paper.

In light of geopolitical uncertainties, Cowen underscores the importance of a resilient agricultural sector as both an economic asset and a strategic imperative for Europe, reinforcing the need to halt any decline in CAP funding and appropriately elevate the stature of farming within the EU’s broader policy framework.

The proposals also reflect an understanding of the need for more clarity and less bureaucracy in CAP provisions to allow farmers to focus on their core business activities.