The social dimension of the CAP: How it protects farmers and workers

Agriculture is not just about crops and food production – it is primarily about people. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and protected in their workplace, and the same applies to those working in the agricultural sector. Every day, millions of people work in fields and farms across Europe. It is therefore essential that the social dimension is part of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

The CAP does not only provide financial support to farmers; it also ensures that their daily work is carried out under conditions that respect the rights, health, and safety of all, showing that agriculture can be fair and responsible toward those active in the sector.

For the first time in the 2023–2027 programming period, the CAP incorporates a social conditionality mechanism. This means that CAP payments – whether direct subsidies or support linked to environmental, climate, or region-specific requirements – are tied to compliance with fundamental European labor standards. Farmers and subsidy recipients are required to follow specific rules regarding working conditions, health and safety, and the rights of employees. In cases of non-compliance, Member States can impose penalties, ensuring that European funding comes with social responsibility.

Member States began applying social conditionality voluntarily in 2023 and from January 2025 its application becomes mandatory across the European Union. In this way, the CAP actively contributes to protecting millions of agricultural workers. At the same time, it provides an incentive to improve working conditions on farms, promoting a fairer and socially sustainable agriculture.

Alongside social conditionality, the CAP includes other important social tools. Advisory services for farmers must provide information on working conditions, employees’ rights, and other relevant topics. Member States can also promote improvements in working conditions through specific measures in their national plans.

By introducing social conditionality, the CAP takes a significant step toward a safer, fairer, and socially responsible agriculture. Protecting workers in the agricultural sector is not just a regulatory obligation, but a core European value. The CAP demonstrates that agricultural sustainability is not only about sector competitiveness, the environment or food production but above all about the people who work daily to bring food to our tables.

This topic is explored in more detail in an episode of the Reimagine Agriculture podcast, focusing on the social dimension of the CAP and how it protects farmers and agricultural workers.