What are CAP subsidies?

CAP aids were created by the European Union in 1962 to help the agricultural sector, which had been depleted by the war. Today, among its objectives, is to guarantee a reasonable standard of living for farmers, improve the productivity of the agricultural sector (and the supply of food to the population) and, in addition, seek to protect the environment (and natural resources).

How does the CAP work?

Direct CAP payments are intended to supplement the income of farmers through payments that are made based on the number of cultivated hectares, although they are also usually supplemented with other payments based on a number of factors, such as the type of crop, the agricultural practices used, the conditions of the activity and the farmer's age. In addition to a certain amount per hectare (which is on average €226 per eligible hectare), farmers can receive, where applicable, a green payment (for environmentally friendly agricultural practices), a subsidy for young farmers or a complementary subsidy for farming in areas with difficult conditions, among others.

Who is entitled to receive CAP aids?

The beneficiaries of CAP aids are those who meet the requirements established for obtaining it, such as being a farmer, having land that is being exploited economically, and assuming the risk of the activity that is carried out.

How many hectares do you need to have to receive CAP aid?

To access the CAP grants, you must have a minimum surface area, established at: For a non-irrigated plot of land: 1 hectare For an irrigated plot of land: 0.5 hectares.

What requirements must be met to receive CAP aid?

In order to apply for CAP aid in the form of direct payments, applicants must prove they are farming on land within the European Union and that their holdings are suitable for agricultural activity, meaning they contain arable land or permanent crops and pasture. They also have to respect a series of standards (not doing so can lead to a reduction in CAP aid). On the one hand, they must comply with the Statutory Management Requirements (SMR), which include standards on environmental, animal and plant health or on public health and, on the other hand, they must "practice" the Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC) (which include good practices for maintaining crop soil, protecting land from erosion, or protecting habitats).

What types of CAP aid are there?

CAP grants are divided into two types: Direct; Those received by farmers for the products they obtain or, also, for maintaining their farmland in good condition. These can be, in turn, coupled (granted based on production volume and crop) or uncoupled (granted based on the hectares). Indirect; or those received for meeting other objectives that are not related to the above.

Agricultural financing

Apply for financing on special terms so you can continue to grow

Agropréstamo agricultural loan for the growing season and breeding at 0% interest.
Commitment fee: 2% and APR 2.23%.
In addition, you can get a license for NAX (NAX-BBVA), free of charge for one year.

By setting up direct deposit for your agricultural income and/or direct deposit for your PAC with us, you will have access to liquidity for the day-to-day running of your agricultural business.

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Special financing conditions, for PAC direct debit payments and agricultural deposits through BBVA

Financing with special conditions to cover the daily needs of your farming or ranching operation during the season.

*Product available for businesses with a turnover under 5 million euros.

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When you request the subsidy, you just need to provide a BBVA account. If the aid is more than €10,000, and you are one of the first 3,500 applicants, you may be able to get a NAX license (NAX-BBVA), free for one year.

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Get an advance of the grant by arranging for your CAP to be paid into your BBVA account. You can also request the whole amount.

*Product available for businesses with a turnover under 5 million euros.

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We'll tell you how to improve your farm

We'll explain what it is and what grants you can get with the CAP, as well as the requirements and the process to follow to receive them.

Read the full article
Find out what this plan consists of, how it was developed and how it will influence the agricultural (and rural) sector in Spain.

Read the full article
Find out what the CAP eco-regimes (or eco-schemes) consist of, their types and how you can apply for them in order to benefit from them.

Read the full article

If you deposit your Agro income of at least €10,000 in BBVA until May 31, 2026, you can apply for an Agropréstamo loan for farming and breeding, with no interest and a 2% arrangement fee. Financing subject to prior approval by BBVA.

Example: €20,000 Agropréstamo loan for farming and breeding, taken out on 4 February 2026 with full repayment on January 4, 2027. Commitment fee €400; 0% NIR, 2.23% APR; total amount to be repaid €20,000.
NAX-BBVA license promotion for one year, for the first 3,000 customers who obtain agricultural income or set up direct debit for their 2026 CAP subsidies in a BBVA account between February and May 2026 for a minimum amount of €10,000. The gross value of the license is €100 (subject to a 19% tax deduction, which will be borne by the Bank). BBVA is not responsible for possible legal changes in tax matters.

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CAP Advance

Agricultural financing

Apply for financing on special terms so you can continue to grow

Special financing conditions, for PAC direct debit payments and agricultural deposits through BBVA

Seasonal and Breeding Agri-Loan

Direct depositing your CAP is very simple

CAP Advance

We'll tell you how to improve your farm

What is the CAP?

CAP Strategic Plan: all you need to know

What are the CAP eco-regimes?

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