They also call on member states to encourage farmers to dedicate 10% of their land to landscaping that is beneficial to biodiversity, such as hedges; non-productive trees; and ponds.

MEPs voted to progressively reduce annual direct payments to farmers above €60,000 and cap them at €100,000. However, farmers could be allowed to deduct 50% of agriculture-related salaries from the total amount before reduction.

[colored_box color="green"]At least 6% of national direct payments should be used to support small and medium-sized farms but if more than 12% is used, the capping should become voluntary, MEPs say.[/colored_box]

EU states could use at least 4% of their direct payments budgets to support young farmers. Further support could be granted from the rural development funding where young farmers’ investments could be prioritised, according to MEPs.