EU to slash farm subsidies and end payments for retired Polish farmers

The European Union plans to cut the budget of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027, allocating about €300 billion to Pillar I, far below the €482.5 billion requested by farm organisations. New rules will introduce strict payment limits: a maximum of €100 000 per farm per year, with step‑down reductions of 25 % for payments between €20 000 and €50 000, 50 % up to €75 000 and 75 % above €75 000. The measures target large holdings and aim to shift aid toward younger operators. A controversial proposal would eliminate all direct subsidies for farmers aged 65 and over starting in 2032, while boosting support for the smallest farms to €3 000 per year (up from €1 125). The changes were discussed by the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, with Senator Jerzy Chruścikowski noting that the Commission has long ignored inflation’s impact on farmers.