This simplification paves the way to the new CAP, which will apply from 2023. Member States will now be able to extend their national strategies for the fruit and vegetable sector to ensure a smooth transition between the current and new rules once the new CAP enters into force.

In addition, the new rules include, among others:

• Extension of the outsourcing possibilities for producer organisations in the fruit and vegetable sector;
• The calculation method to establish the value of mushrooms intended for processing is extended to different types of mushrooms to reflect the reality of production;
• Extension of the use of standard flat rates or lump sums to all costs supported under operational programmes for the fruit and vegetable sector, except for crisis measures;
• Simplification of the rules regarding market withdrawal of fruit and vegetables for free distribution;
• Introduction of a maximum amount of support for market withdrawals for processing;
• Simplification of the rules related to crisis prevention and management measures (e.g. harvest insurance, coaching), to encourage a greater uptake by producer organisations in the fruit and vegetable sector.