(Case C-373/20 Request for a preliminary ruling from the Wojewódzki Sąd Administracyjny w Szczecinie (Poland) lodged on 6August 2020– A.M. v Dyrektor Z.Oddziału Regionalnego Agencji Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa

Request for a preliminary ruling from the Wojewódzki Sąd Administracyjny w Szczecinie (Poland) lodged on 6August 2020– A.M. v Dyrektor Z.Oddziału Regionalnego Agencji Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa

(Case C-373/20)

Language of the case: Polish

Referring court

Wojewódzki Sąd Administracyjny w Szczecinie

Parties to the main proceedings

Applicant: A.M.

Defendant: Dyrektor Z.Oddziału Regionalnego Agencji Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa

Question referred

Is the national authorities’ interpretation of the definition of ‘permanent pasture’– set out in Article2(c) of Commission Regulation (ΕC) No1120/2009 of 29October 2009 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of the single payment scheme provided for in Title III of Council Regulation (EC) No73/2009 establishing common rules for direct support schemes for farmers under the common agricultural policy and establishing certain support schemes for farmers¹ – as meaning that the natural periodic flooding of meadows and pastures situated in a special environmental protection zone (Natura 2000 Area; Ińsko Landscape Park) makes those areas of land subject to ‘crop rotation’, resulting in an interruption of the period of five years (or more) of not being subject to that ‘crop rotation’, with the result that it also constitutes a ground for withdrawing or reducing agri-environmental payments to the farmer, as well as further financial consequences connected with the interruption of the continuity of the five-year period for the implementation of an agri-environmental programme, correct?

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¹ OJ 2009 L316, p.1.