On 11 December 2025, European agriculture ministers met at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AgriFish) to discuss the future of EU farming and fisheries, placing innovation and simplification at the heart of discussions on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
Cyprus’s Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, set the tone for the day’s agenda. The Cyprus News Agency (CNA) reported that she highlighted how simplification and innovation would go hand-in-hand during the six-month Cypriot Presidency of the Council, which follows a successful Danish tenure.
“European agriculture cannot remain resilient and sustainable unless simplification and innovation are placed at the core of the new CAP,” she said.
Ms Panayiotou emphasised that farmers need better access to modern tools and more flexible funding, which will allow them to modernise practices, address climate challenges, and encourage younger generations to pursue careers in rural areas. “Farmers urgently need access to new technologies and financial tools under more flexible rules,” she stressed, adding that a future CAP must “allow them to innovate faster, ensuring generational renewal and sustainability.” She also said, “If we truly want our farmers to lead the green and digital transition, then our policies must show the way first.”
Technology and innovation in agriculture
The discussions also highlighted the importance of embedding digital tools, precision farming, and advanced biotechnologies into upcoming CAP frameworks. Policymakers highlighted that farmers must adopt new genomic techniques and AI-based farm management systems to ensure the CAP continues to support sustainable and competitive agriculture
Her remarks resonated with Danish Agriculture Minister Jacob Jensen, who has guided simplification efforts under the Danish Presidency. Speaking at the meeting, Minister Jensen said that innovation was “essential to maintain our strong position when it comes to international agri‑food markets,” and underlined that “simplification is one of the key to unlock also the innovation and we need also faster access to new technologies.”
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Financial and research support
Commissioner for Agriculture Christoph Hansen echoed this message, noting that the forthcoming MFF will provide mechanisms to link research and practical deployment of agricultural innovations. Mr Hansen told journalists at a related press conference that the European Competitiveness Fund and the proposed FP10 research programme will help “transform promising prototypes into market‑ready solutions accessible to farmers.” He added that “innovation thrives on links between researchers, farmers, forest holders, advisors and investors,” highlighting the importance of effective knowledge sharing and advisory networks to bring innovation to the field.
If we truly want our farmers to lead the green and digital transition, then our policies must show the way first. – Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of Cyprus
The renewed emphasis on innovation comes as EU institutions work towards a post‑2027 CAP that balances environmental objectives, competitiveness, and food security. Simplification efforts previously endorsed by the Council and European Parliament aim to reduce bureaucratic burden and allow Member States and farmers greater flexibility in tailoring support, reflecting broad agreement among ministers that the next CAP must be both practical and effective.
What’s next
Thursday’s AgriFish discussions reinforced a growing consensus among EU policymakers that innovation and simplification are central to the future of European agriculture. By combining strategic funding, digital tools, and regulatory flexibility, the next CAP is being designed to empower farmers with the practical and technological support needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global market. The AgriFish Council resumes on Friday.
