This document provides the statutory basis for agricultural policy, rural development, and the regulation of the food supply chain.
It defines the objectives of agricultural policy, including the long-term economic stability of agricultural holdings and the maintenance of rural population density. It establishes the Sustainability Data Network (FSDN), which replaces the previous accounting network to monitor both the financial performance and environmental sustainability metrics of farms. The law introduces social conditionality, linking the receipt of public funds to compliance with labor and employment standards. It also regulates the status of agricultural holdings, supplementary activities on farms, and the organizational framework for producer groups and inter-branch organizations. It formalizes the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS), mandating that the state funds and coordinates public advisory services to ensure farmers receive updated information on sustainable practices and digital technologies. Specific mandatory training programs are required for accessing certain subsidies, particularly regarding the safe handling of plant protection products, precise nutrient management, and compliance with ecological farming standards. Furthermore, the law mandates the creation of a digital record of beneficiaries who have committed serious violations, fraud, or irregularities related to agricultural subsidies and EU funds. Inclusion on this list results in temporary or permanent disqualification from receiving public agricultural support and necessitates the repayment of funds obtained through criminally relevant behaviors.
It mandates the transparency and traceability of the food supply chain. It prohibits unfair trading practices between stakeholders and requires written contracts for the sale of agricultural products. The Act provides the legal basis for national quality schemes, including "Selected Quality," "Organic," and "Integrated Production," and defines the certification processes for these designations. It further establishes the framework for state-led promotion of local agricultural products to influence national consumption patterns.
It classifies land as a limited natural resource, and it imposes a duty on users to maintain soil health and fertile. It establishes a national soil monitoring system and restricts the conversion of high-quality agricultural land to non-agricultural uses through compensatory levies. Regarding cultivated plants, the Act ensures the conservation of genetic resources via the National Gene Bank and regulates the production and marketing of seeds. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is mandated as the standard for plant protection, requiring the prioritization of non-chemical methods and the digital logging of all plant treatments.
The Act addresses the impact of agriculture on natural resources and climate. It regulates the management of irrigation systems, defining them as infrastructure of public interest to ensure production stability during droughts. The law stipulates requirements for the protection of water sources from nutrient runoff, particularly nitrogen, and establishes the "Green Shield" framework for biodiversity maintenance. Furthermore, it mandates that agricultural activities align with national climate change adaptation and mitigation goals.