The European Parliament has approved a package of measures aimed at shielding EU farmers from soaring fertiliser prices, fast-tracking financial support ahead of the next growing season.

 

MEPs backed changes to the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) proposed by the European Commission, allowing farmers to access aid sooner and helping prevent falling production, lower food quality and further price increases for consumers.

 

Under the new measures, farmers will be able to receive liquidity support covering up to 80% of the additional fertiliser costs they face. EU governments will also be allowed to raise advance direct payments from 70% to 75% and provide the funds to eligible farmers immediately after applications are submitted, rather than waiting until 16 October under existing rules.

 

Member States will also gain greater flexibility to adjust their direct payment budgets for the following year, giving national authorities more room to respond to pressure on the agricultural sector.

 

The proposal was approved by MEPs with a decisive majority, receiving 576 votes in favour, 62 against and 15 abstentions.

 

The legislation must now be formally approved by the Council and published in the Official Journal of the European Union before entering into force the following day.

 

Fertiliser costs have become a major concern for Europe’s farming sector, with fertilisers accounting for up to 16% of farmers’ input costs. The EU remains heavily dependent on imports, sourcing around 30% of nitrogen-based fertilisers and 70% of phosphatic fertilisers used in agricultural production.

 

Rising energy costs have also added pressure, as EU fertiliser production depends heavily on natural gas. Recent geopolitical tensions — including Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz — have contributed to continued volatility in fertiliser and energy markets.