This Thematic Group (TG) will provide an opportunity to discuss the possible design and implementation of the new CAP support measure 'Transition Actions', proposed by the EC to promote more environmentally sustainable and resilient farming systems.
EU CAP Networkin teemaryhmään haetaan osallistujia
The Commission’s proposals for the CAP post-2027 include a new type of action under the Agri-Environment-Climate-Actions measure (Article 10). This requires Member States to put in place voluntary support for farmers to carry out “transition actions”. The idea is that this support should fund actions that enable transformative changes at farm level (or for part of a holding) towards more environmentally sustainable and resilient farming systems, including conversion to organic farming and extensification of livestock systems. It would be provided on the basis of a multi-annual transition action plan (TAP).
While it is already possible to offer transition support to farmers converting to organic production, the option of transition aid for broader environmental/sustainability purposes is new. Also new is the option to provide this support in the form of a lump sum payment combining costs for land management, investments, training and advice, etc., payable in instalments in return for a commitment to follow an approved transition plan. The amount of support would be based on the cost estimates provided in the transition action plans or pre-defined amounts by the MS, but would be limited to €200 000 per farmer per programming period (figure yet to be agreed by the co-legislators within the political negotiation of the legal proposals).
Member States have flexibility in terms of how they design and target their transition support. The proposals require them to set out those production systems that they deem beneficial for the climate and environment in their National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs). However, no further requirements are placed on Member States in terms of how to define the parameters for this transition tool so that it addresses key sustainability objectives in an effective way or how to measure success in order to verify the TAP has been implemented and final payment can be made.
During the negotiation phase, Member States and stakeholders have raised many questions about how to translate this proposed measure into practice. These include: what constitutes ‘transformative change’; the types of farming systems that might be in scope; how certification schemes could play a role; establishing baselines, targets and performance metrics; measuring progress over time; and the processes and resources required to manage the scheme (notably the preparation and follow-up of transition plans and the payments) and ensure sufficient support and advice is available to farmers.
Within this context, this Thematic Group (TG) is an opportunity for you to be part of a committed group of experts and relevant stakeholders that will explore the range of possible ways in which Member States could design, implement, and assess transition support to inform national discussions in the context of the development of NRPPs.
Objectives
The objectives of this TG are to:
- Consider the main components and parameters that need to be included within the design of transition support to enable it to deliver transformative change in practice.
- Identify the main issues and questions arising and work together to develop solutions to these.
- Identify and share any examples and ideas from different stakeholders and Member States of how a transition to more sustainable and resilient farming systems can be achieved and supported by private and public funds in a cost-efficient manner.
The TG will consist of a small (around 40) but dedicated cross-section of informed and engaged stakeholders, including policymakers and administrators at regional and national level (e.g. Managing Authorities and Paying Agencies), beneficiaries and practitioners such as farmers and farmers organisations, LEADER Local Action Groups (LAGs), Operational Groups EIP), advisers, researchers, National CAP Networks (NNs), and other rural or environmental stakeholders. Participants will commit to engaging in two meetings and related activities, ensuring diverse perspectives and active contributions to achieving the TG’s objectives.
- The first meeting will take place in person in Brussels on 15 December 2026
- The second meeting will take place in person on 7-8 April 2027 (location tbc)
There is no charge for attendance at these meetings. However, for the in-person meeting, travel and accommodation costs may be covered for TG members representing farmers, farming organisations, LAGs, Operational Groups (EIP), European and national civil society organisations (including NGOs), and researchers/universities. All other TG members will need to pay for their own travel and accommodation costs.
The meetings will be held in English without interpretation.
Expressions of interest can be submitted through the button below.
Participants will be selected on the basis of the following criteria:
Necessary
- Experience/knowledge of what transformational change towards more environmentally sustainable and resilient farming systems can look like in practice.
- Motivation and experience to explore a range of options on how CAP support can be designed and implemented in the most effective way that delivers transformative change.
- Representing either policymakers and administrators at regional and national level (including Managing Authorities, Paying Agencies), beneficiaries, such as farmers or farming organisations, LAGs, Operational Groups (EIP), advisers, researchers, NNs, and other rural, value chain, or environmental stakeholders.
- Capacity and willingness to engage, network, and exchange effectively at national, regional, and local levels.
- Firm commitment to participate in two meetings of the TG, and the activities in between.
- Ability to communicate clearly in English without interpretation.
Desirable
- Familiarity with or willingness to explore examples, initiatives, and innovative ideas on how a transition to more sustainable and resilient farming systems can be achieved in practice and supported by private and public funds in a cost-efficient manner.
- Commitment to share design and implementation models and best practices with other members during the TG activities.
- Commitment to share TG outputs with other colleagues or networks outside of the TG.
Please note that when selecting the TG members from the expressions of interest, the EU CAP Network will – to the extent possible – also consider the need to ensure a balance of participants from EU Member States, sectors and topics, and gender. Successful applicants will receive a confirmation of participation as soon as possible and before the end of October 2026 at the latest. With the confirmation message, successful applicants will receive a registration link for the first meeting.
Since places are limited and in the interest of fairness, successful applicants are asked to commit to participate in the TG activities. In case of unforeseen circumstances, TG members must inform the organisers as soon as possible if they are unavailable to attend a TG meeting. Non-attendance without prior notice may result in exclusion from future TGs and other EU CAP Network events.
If you have any questions, please contact us at thematicgroup3@eucapnetwork.eu.
To follow the work of this Thematic Group, please visit this page regularly, subscribe to our monthly newsletterOpen link in new window, and follow us on social media (#CAPTransitionActions and #SustainableFarmTransition).
Reimbursement of costs
There is no charge for attendance at these meetings. However, for the in-person meeting, travel and accommodation costs may be covered for TG members representing farmers, farming organisations, LAGs, Operational Groups (EIP), European and national civil society organisations (including NGOs), and researchers/universities. All other TG members will need to pay for their own travel and accommodation costs.
Instructions for applying
Expressions of interest can be submitted here by 25 October 2026.
Participants will be selected on the basis of the following criteria:
Necessary
- Experience/knowledge of what transformational change towards more environmentally sustainable and resilient farming systems can look like in practice.
- Motivation and experience to explore a range of options on how CAP support can be designed and implemented in the most effective way that delivers transformative change.
- Representing either policymakers and administrators at regional and national level (including Managing Authorities, Paying Agencies), beneficiaries, such as farmers or farming organisations, LAGs, Operational Groups (EIP), advisers, researchers, NNs, and other rural, value chain, or environmental stakeholders.
- Capacity and willingness to engage, network, and exchange effectively at national, regional, and local levels.
- Firm commitment to participate in two meetings of the TG, and the activities in between.
- Ability to communicate clearly in English without interpretation.
Desirable
- Familiarity with or willingness to explore examples, initiatives, and innovative ideas on how a transition to more sustainable and resilient farming systems can be achieved in practice and supported by private and public funds in a cost-efficient manner.
- Commitment to share design and implementation models and best practices with other members during the TG activities.
- Commitment to share TG outputs with other colleagues or networks outside of the TG.
Please note that when selecting the TG members from the expressions of interest, the EU CAP Network will – to the extent possible – also consider the need to ensure a balance of participants from EU Member States, sectors and topics, and gender. Successful applicants will receive a confirmation of participation as soon as possible and before the end of October 2026 at the latest. With the confirmation message, successful applicants will receive a registration link for the first meeting.
Since places are limited and in the interest of fairness, successful applicants are asked to commit to participate in the TG activities. In case of unforeseen circumstances, TG members must inform the organisers as soon as possible if they are unavailable to attend a TG meeting. Non-attendance without prior notice may result in exclusion from future TGs and other EU CAP Network events.