Midlands-North-West MEP Maria Walsh has been appointed lead negotiator for the European Parliament on generational renewal in the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Speaking to Agriland at the European Parliament in Strasbourg after her appointment, Walsh said it is one of the most important issues within agriculture.

The Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is the long-term EU budget for a period of seven years.

CAP

The CAP after 2027 has a central place within the EU’s next budget to deliver on the strategic orientations provided by the Vision for Agriculture and Food, according to the European Commission.

"A simpler, more flexible budget will improve strategic planning and better respond to EU farmers, agriculture and rural areas challenges while enabling further synergies across sectors," the commission stated.

Last July, the EU Commission announced its proposal to replace the traditional two-pillar structure of the CAP with a single European fund, involving a budget of around €865 billion.

This marks the first time since the CAP was founded in 1962 that there would be no specific EU fund for agriculture.

A ring-fenced budget of at least €300 billion for income and crisis support aims to ensure predictability and stability of CAP support for farmers.

Income support: An amount of at least €293.7 billion is secured for ensuring stability and predictability for farmers;
Unity safety net: €6.3 billion to assist EU countries in case of disturbance of markets.

MEP Walsh, who is a full member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, will lead parliament negotiations on measures to attract and retain the next generation of farmers.

The MEP said this will include increased supports for young and female farmers and stronger mental health supports.

"My number one priority is clear; support for young farmers must be increased. I don’t want aspirational targets, I want clear commitments," she said.

Generational renewal

According to MEP Walsh, access to finance and land are two of the biggest barriers at present for young farmers.

"In order to unlock access to land, we must also look to the older generations.

"Tax incentives for older farmers willing to lease or sell land to young entrants will help alleviate the problem, as will expanding schemes like the Land Mobility Service to encourage more partnerships between retiring and young farmers," she added.

The CAP negotiations will coincide with Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026.