Takac: Capping Direct EU Payments Would Destroy Agriculture (2)

Nitra/Bratislava, 28 May (TASR) - The planned reform of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy after 2028 is the biggest challenge facing Slovakia's agriculture sector, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Richard Takac (Smer-SD) declared at the general assembly of the Slovak Agriculture and Food Chamber (SPPK) in Nitra on Thursday. The minister criticised in particular the planned creation of a so-called superfund and the proposal for mandatory capping of direct payments. "Mandatory capping of direct payments at the level of 100,000 euros would mean the liquidation of Slovak agriculture," he warned. According to Takac, Slovakia will push at the European level for voluntary capping to be maintained. The minister also criticised plans to remove the food industry from the Common Agricultural Policy. Takac welcomed the outcome of the vote on the future direction of the chamber, including support for compulsory membership in the SPPK. "You have sent a clear message regarding compulsory membership in the SPPK. We now have time to prepare a solution by next year that will suit the entire sector," he said. He underlined that Slovakia has achieved the most successful absorption of funds from the Rural Development Programme (PRV) in its history. In 2025, almost €650 million was used, funds which would otherwise have been lost and returned to Brussels. "This was achieved thanks to thousands of projects and cooperation with farmers and food producers across Slovakia," he said. Within the current Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy, the minister confirmed that support for livestock production and specialised crop production remains a priority for the ministry. The ministry currently has calls for projects open worth around €300 million, with further calls worth a similar amount expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Takac confirmed that the government will maintain support for the sector despite the continuing consolidation of public finances. "The government guarantees approximately €60 million annually for state aid. These funds will also be maintained next year," he underlined. The ministry is also preparing new aid schemes, including investment support for food producers. NOTE: This story has been extended to include the final four paragraphs mf