MAFF Publishes the Direct Payments Handbook for Campaign 2026

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has published the Direct Payments Handbook for the 2026 Campaign.

The document outlines the main requirements for support under the interventions, as well as the conditions that farmers must meet when applying. The handbook provides up-to-date and systematic information necessary for farmers when submitting support applications and when fulfilling the applicable regulatory requirements under the direct payment schemes.

What does the Direct Payments Handbook for the 2026 Campaign include?

The document covers all current support schemes, detailed according to the regulatory framework as of March 20, 2026:

Area-based Payments: Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS), redistributive support, as well as specific support for young and small farmers.

Eco-schemes: Detailed guidelines for interventions aimed at environmental protection, biodiversity, soil health, and animal welfare.

Sectoral Interventions: Support for fruit and vegetable production (including greenhouse and mountain farming), permanent crops, protein crops, cotton, and tobacco.

Livestock: Information on production-linked support and the transitional national aid for farm animals.

Legal Framework and Purpose

The handbook has been prepared in accordance with the Strategic Plan for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas 2023–2027 and the Law on Support for Agricultural Producers. Its main purpose is to ensure maximum clarity when filling out applications and to guarantee the correct fulfillment of commitments undertaken by farmers.

The handbook is available for free download and review on the official website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

View the handbook HERE