Green organizations propose new model for EU agricultural subsidies

Ten green organizations in Denmark have proposed a new model for distributing European Union agricultural subsidies starting in the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) period. The proposal aims to replace passive hectare-based support with a performance-based system.

Under the suggested model, funding would be allocated based on specific environmental and welfare results, including climate accounting, nitrogen accounting, a nature index, and an animal welfare index. Higher payments would be awarded to farms demonstrating better ecological outcomes. The organizations argue that this shift would create a market for sustainable food and incentivize regenerative production, organic farming, and the protection of biodiversity.

The model has been submitted to the Danish Minister for Nature and Welfare, Christian Rabjerg Madsen, and relevant political spokespeople. The proposal aligns with the Danish government's stated goal to redistribute agricultural support away from direct hectare subsidies toward climate, environmental, and nature-based initiatives.