lpis

LPIS, or Land Parcel Identification System, is a geospatial information system used by European Union member states to identify and register agricultural land parcels for the administration and control of subsidies under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Each parcel is delineated with a geometric boundary and assigned a unique parcel identifier, linked to holder or claimant information. LPIS data are used to determine the eligible extent of land for subsidy payments, to calculate payment amounts, and to detect inconsistencies or fraud by cross-checking with other data sources.

Data sources and structure: LPIS relies on cadastral maps, agricultural land use data, orthophotos and satellite imagery, and field surveys. Parcel boundaries are stored in a GIS layer with standardized coordinate reference systems. National authorities maintain the LPIS and feed updates to centralized EU systems. The data interface is designed to be interoperable across member states, in line with EU geospatial data policies and the INSPIRE directive.

Procedures and usage: During CAP payment rounds, LPIS is used to verify the claimed area of eligible land, detect double declarations, and support compliance with GAEC (Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition) rules and other environmental requirements. Farmers can access their LPIS information through national portals to review parcel boundaries and payments.

Governance and standards: LPIS is governed by national agricultural authorities in each member state under EU CAP rules, with coordination through the European Commission. Standards cover data accuracy, update frequency, parcel naming, and metadata requirements. Benefits include improved accuracy of subsidy administration, reduced errors and fraud, and better land use planning; limitations include dependence on input data quality, handling of small or irregular parcels, and potential boundary disputes.