Direct Payments Regulation 2013

Title I - Scope and Definitions

Title I establishes the foundational elements of Regulation, defining its scope and the essential terms for its application:

• Article 1: Outlines the overall applicability of the regulation, setting the stage for its broad reach across the EU.^[2]

• Article 2: Details amendments to Annex I, reflecting the evolving nature of the regulation and ensuring its current relevance.^[3]

• Article 3: Expands the regulation's application to the EU's outermost regions and the smaller Aegean islands, emphasizing its inclusive and comprehensive scope.^[4]

• Article 4: Provides clear definitions for key terms used throughout the regulation, ensuring a uniform understanding and implementation across different member states.^[5]

Title II - General Provisions on Direct Payments

Title II details the rules governing direct payments under the Common Agricultural Policy:

• Article 5 - General Common Agricultural Policy Provisions: Specifies that Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 applies to the schemes in this Regulation, aligning it with broader CAP guidelines.^[6]

• Article 6 - National Ceilings: Sets annual maximum limits on direct payments for each Member State, a measure to distribute CAP funds proportionately among EU countries.^[7]

• Article 7 - Net Ceilings: Caps total direct payments in each Member State post-application of Article 11, focusing on equitable distribution and preventing aid concentration.^[8]

• Article 9 - Active Farmer: Establishes eligibility criteria for direct payments, targeting funds to those genuinely involved in agriculture.^[9]

• Article 10 - Minimum Requirements for Receiving Direct Payments: Details conditions under which farmers may be ineligible for payments, such as minimal payment amounts, to prioritize impactful support.^[10]

• Article 11 - Reduction of Payments: Directs a reduction in payments for larger farms, supporting the CAP's focus on smaller and medium-sized agricultural operations.^[11]

Title III - Basic Payment Scheme, Single Area Payment Scheme, and Related Payments

Title III addresses the structures and conditions of the basic payment and single area payment schemes:

• Article 21: Establishes entitlement criteria for the basic payment scheme, outlining the prerequisites for farmers to receive payments.^[12]
• Article 22: Sets the maximum budget available under the basic payment scheme, ensuring a limit on the total funds allocated.^[13]
• Article 23: Details the distribution of national ceilings among regions within Member States, aiming for a balanced allocation of funds.^[14]

Title IV - Coupled Support

Title IV discusses the specifics of additional support measures for certain agricultural sectors:

• Article 52: Lays out the framework for voluntary coupled support, targeting specific agricultural sectors that need additional aid.^[15]
• Article 53: Details the financial provisions for implementing coupled support, outlining the budgetary aspects.^[16]

Title V - Small Farmers Scheme

Title V introduces specific provisions for small-scale farmers, aiming to cater to their unique needs:

• Article 61: Defines the framework and conditions for participation in the Small Farmers Scheme, targeting smaller agricultural operations.^[17]
• Article 62: Describes the requirements and process for small farmers to become part of the scheme.^[18]

Title VI - National Restructuring Programmes for the Cotton Sector

Title VI focuses on restructuring programmes in the cotton sector, addressing specific industry needs:

• Article 66: Details the use of annual budgets for restructuring programmes in the cotton sector, highlighting financial management aspects.^[19]

Title VII - Final Provisions

Title VII contains the concluding elements of the regulation:

• Article 67: Specifies requirements for notifications related to the regulation, ensuring compliance and transparency.^[20]
• Article 68: Addresses the processing and protection of personal data within the context of the regulation, underscoring data privacy concerns.^[21]
• Article 69: Discusses measures for resolving specific problems, providing a framework for addressing unforeseen issues.^[22]