Modulation (European Union)

The EU agricultural policy consists of two columns ( also called modules ).

In the first pillar direct payments to agriculture for food production (coupled payments) and for the ownership and maintenance of agricultural land (decoupled premiums) are summarized.

In the second pillar funds for measures for rural development in the assisted areas "Development of rural structures " are provided " improve the production and marketing structures " and " sustainable land management ". The term " sustainable agriculture " means, inter alia, the agri-environmental programs that promote measures of environment, nature and animal protection in excess of the applicable legal standards from the first column ( cross-compliance ).

Modulation in the EU agricultural policy

With the EU agricultural reform in 1999 ( as part of the Agenda 2000) created the possibility for the Member States of the EU, to modulate the middle of the first column. That direct payments to farmers could be shortened and made available in the second pillar measures of the environment, nature, animal and consumer protection as well as for the development of rural areas. Germany has since 2003 made ​​use of this possibility and a modulation of 2 percent introduced ( optional modulation ).

The EU agricultural reform of 2003 ( mid-term review or mid-term evaluation ) then introduced the compulsory modulation. The Member States were now required to perform a modulation of direct payments. In Germany, it was decided for the following modulation rates: 3 percent in 2005, 4 ​​percent in 2006 and 5 percent from the year 2007.

The area occupied by the modulation increased resources of the federal states ( co-financed ) and issued for the purpose of environmental protection, nature, animal and consumer protection as well as for the development of rural areas again.