Ministry Plans to Issue Calls for Strategic Plan Worth around €900 mn in 2026

Podbanske, 2 February (TASR) - The Agriculture Ministry plans to announce the remaining calls under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan in 2026, with a total volume of approximately €900 million, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Richard Takac (Smer-SD) announced on Monday in the village of Podbanske (Zilina region) at a meeting with representatives of farmers and food producers from Trencin region and the town of Nove Zamky (Nitra region), TASR was told by the ministry's communications department. The minister described 2025 as a historic turning point in terms of financing the sector. According to him, after the problems of previous years, the direct payment system was stabilised and payments were accelerated. "Direct payments are running in Slovakia today. We made maximum use of advance payments, and even before 1 December, the sector received more than €340 million out of a total package of €600 million," said Takac. According to him, another major success was the completion of the Rural Development Programme, where there was a risk that significant amount of funds would get lost. "In two years, we managed to use up the largest amount of money ever for project calls, which prevented unused funds from being lost and returned to the EU budget," added the minister. Takac pointed out the need to change the structure of Slovak agriculture. "A model based on three or four commodities without animal production has no future. Slovakia must pursue a path of specialisation, added value, fruit, vegetables, and livestock farming," he stressed. The discussion also touched on the future Common Agricultural Policy of the EU after 2028. The minister pointed out the risks of the European Commission's proposal, in particular the reduction of the budget by approximately 30 percent and the mandatory capping of direct payments at €100,000. "Mandatory capping is a red line for Slovakia. It would mean the destruction of our farms. We're cooperating with Germany, the Czech Republic, and other countries on this issue," he said, assuring that even if a so-called superfund is created, the administration for farmers won't worsen and PPA will remain the main implementer of support. am