Direktstöd

Direktstöd refers to direct payments granted to farmers under the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). These payments function as income support that is largely decoupled from immediate production, with the aim of stabilizing farmer income, supporting rural areas and livelihoods, and promoting environmental and public policy objectives.

Historically, direkte stød were introduced through CAP reforms to separate subsidies from specific crops or outputs. The Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) is the core component, distributing payments per eligible hectare rather than per unit of production. From CAP 2023–2027 onward, direct payments include new elements such as eco-schemes, which require farmers to adopt climate and environmental practices to qualify for part of the direct payments.

Eligibility typically requires being a farming operator with eligible agricultural land within the member state, and meeting cross-compliance requirements or their national equivalents, which may include environmental, animal welfare and food safety standards. Applications are submitted to national authorities, payments are processed annually, and there are verifications and potential penalties if rules are not followed. National adaptations may add top-ups, redistribution for smaller farms, or incentives for young farmers.

In Sweden, Direktstöd are administered by the national agricultural authority (Jordbruksverket) and funded through the EU budget as part of CAP. Farmers may access supplementary payments tied to development programs or specific national schemes, subject to policy decisions and CAP rules.

Direct payments are designed to provide predictable income support while aligning farming with environmental objectives, though they remain a subject of reform debates concerning efficiency, equity, and market effects.