Commissioner must not drop the ball on his commitment to support “productive” farmers – Macra

Macra has welcomed comments from the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, on day three of the 2026 National Ploughing Championships, where he emphasised the importance of supporting “productive” farmers and “agricultural output”.

Macra has historically and strongly held the view that active farmers who are producing food should be prioritised when it comes to CAP support, rather than funding going towards those who simply own or manage land.

Macra’s CAP Position Paper calls for support to be targeted towards those who are actively farming and bear the inherent risks associated with the day-to-day running and financial management of a farm business.

A key ask, as part of Macra’s proposed Active Farmer Definition under the next CAP, is that the maintenance of landscape features or topping, where undertaken in isolation, should not be sufficient to meet the Agricultural Activity requirement. The requirement should instead reflect genuine farming activity and agricultural production.

Speaking following the Commissioner’s comments, Macra President Josephine O’Neill said: “Macra welcomes the Commissioner’s clear emphasis on productive farming and agricultural output. This is something we have consistently advocated for - that CAP support should recognise those who are actively farming, producing food and taking on the considerable financial and operational risks associated with running a farm business.

“Owning or managing land is not, in itself, the same as running a productive farm business. The farmers who are getting up every day to milk cows, feed stock, sow, manage and harvest crops, manage their farms and make the financial decisions that underpin agricultural production should be at the heart of the future CAP.”

The Commissioner’s comments are particularly relevant to the ongoing debate around both the active farmer definition but also the proposals around coupled payments the post-2027 CAP.

Macra welcomes proposals for Member States to use targeted coupled income support to support active food production and the economic viability of farm businesses, particularly for beef and sheep sectors.

Macra believes that production-linked payments can play an important role in helping young farmers expand their businesses, increase livestock numbers and improve productivity, while recognising the significant upfront costs, diversify their crops and delayed returns involved in establishing a productive herd or flock.

Concluding, the Macra President said she believes that the future CAP must be ambitious in supporting a productive and resilient agricultural sector.

“Those who are actively farming and taking on the risks associated with agricultural production must be recognised in how CAP support is designed and delivered. We welcome the Commissioner’s comments and will continue to advocate for a CAP that supports active, productive farmers and delivers for the next generation,” Ms O’Neill said.