The Agricultural Committee in the European Parliament approved the second round of proposed reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy.

The reforms following the approval of EU agricultural policies to renew the organization of the common agricultural market focus on rural development and increased support for small farmers after 2020.

The deputies also approved a provision obliging at least 20 percent of EU direct payments to agricultural funds to be sent to eco-schemes and at least 30 percent of the rural development budget should go towards financing mitigation measures.

The Committee agreed with measures forcing Member States to limit their direct payments to farmers in the amount of EUR 100,000 per year, although up to 50% of agricultural-related wages paid to farmers can be deducted from the total before reduction.

At least 5% of Member States' direct payments should go to small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises, while at least 2% should go to young farmers; with additional support for young farmers from rural development financing. MEPs also recommended that Member States set aside a percentage of their rural development budgets in order to promote the greater involvement of women in rural industries.