A quarter of farmers’ direct payments could be ring-fenced to fund climate and environmental measures under compromise plans to be tabled during the next round of CAP reform talks.

The Portuguese presidency of European Council of Agricultural Ministers is willing to compromise on its eco-scheme stance to meet the European Parliament halfway at 25% of Pillar I funds.

The presidency has scheduled a meeting of EU agriculture ministers for Monday 26 April to discuss its compromise proposal and secure backing to offer the higher figure.

The Council’s original position was for 20% of direct payments to be ring-fenced for eco-schemes, with a two-year learning period. The European Parliament adopted a position of 30%.

If the Portuguese presidency’s compromise is adopted, it would see eco-schemes introduced at a lower rate before increasing to 25% over the lifetime of the next CAP.

Ring-fencing for eco-schemes is one of the biggest outstanding issues in the CAP negotiations.

Maria do Céu Antunes, Portugal’s minister for agriculture, is determined to secure a final compromise package before her term as president ends in June.