After the European Parliament and the Council of the EU approved the second amendments to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in December of this year, they are expected to come into effect as early as January 2026. Here is what will change: An agreement has been reached that small farms will be able to benefit from annual financial support up to 3000 euros, instead of the 2500 euros initially proposed by the Commission. Additionally, small farms can also benefit from a new one-time payment for business development up to 75,000 euros, compared to the previously proposed 50,000 euros. To help preserve biodiversity and save farmers the expensive and labor-intensive task of plowing their fields, the new rules guarantee that land classified as arable as of January 1, 2026, will retain this classification even if it has not been plowed, cultivated, or resown. Farmers certified as organic will automatically be considered to meet the requirements for good agricultural and environmental condition (GAEC) standards.