The proposals for what will be included under the next CAP budget are lacking any great detail. It has been reported in reactionary dialogue that funding for LEADER programmes and schemes funded under the European Innovation Partnership (EIP-AGRI) funding streams is being cut.

This has neither been confirmed nor denied, but it is clear from European Commission documents that both of these structures have some future. However, the onus on what will be included in such projects – and the funding allocated – looks like it will be for member states to decide upon.

With regard to LEADER funding, EU budget documents state that “to foster social, economic, environmental and digital transition in rural areas, member states should ensure that LEADER is supported. It should be possible to grant support under the NRP Plans to quality schemes and promotion activities, short supply chain and local market development”.

ADVERTISEMENT

For EIP-Agri, the commission states: “In line with the need to boost innovation and more sustainable practices, the European Innovation Partnership for agricultural productivity and sustainability (the ‘EIP-AGRI’) should remain a key policy tool, to support interactive innovation.”