Land Parcel Identification System
GIS used by EU Member States for the management and monitoring of agricultural land eligible for payments
DescriptionOverview of the initiative and its approach.
The Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS) is a geographic information system used by EU Member States for the management and monitoring of agricultural land eligible for payments under the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The LPIS serves as a spatial database of agricultural parcels that supports the accurate dispersal of farm subsidies while ensuring that land is being used according to EU agricultural policies. It was introduced to reduce fraud and ensure the integrity of CAP funding, offering benefits to farmers, environmental regulators and policymakers by improving the accuracy and traceability of agricultural data in the European Union.
TechnologyTechnology used by the initiative.
Through the LPIS, each parcel of agricultural land is uniquely identified and mapped based on satellite imagery and aerial photos, making it possible to verify farm boundaries, crop types and land use. This system facilitates compliance checks for subsidy eligibility and environmental standards, thus serving as an essential tool that brings transparency and efficiency to agricultural payments. It is widely integrated with such remote sensing technologies as drones and satellite-based systems that provide near-real-time monitoring, helping authorities detect such discrepancies as incorrect claims or land overuse.
TargetUsers, groups, or communities targeted by the initiative.
The LPIS serves a range of users and beneficiaries across the agricultural sector, especially within the European Union, including farmers and agricultural land managers, national and regional authorities, environmental and land-use policymakers, remote sensing and geospatial specialists, and the European Union’s public administrators.
Business modelHow the initiative delivers and sustains its value.
Farmers, public authorities and other stakeholders can access the LPIS free of charge.
ImpactThe observed or intended effects of the initiative.
Currently, over 135 million reference parcels are recorded in LPIS across the 27 EU Member States, helping to ensure eligibility for subsidies and compliance with environmental regulations. The total area registered in the LPIS covers a significant proportion of agricultural land in the European Union. The LPIS has shown itself to be invaluable for the verification of subsidy eligibility and compliance checks, contributing to a more accurate distribution of CAP funds, which amounted to approximately EUR 45.5 billion in 2015. The system is also playing an increasing role in enforcing environmental standards, enhancing transparency, reducing errors and ensuring the proper allocation of EU funds while also supporting the development and application of environmental and land management policies.
PartnersOrganizations and stakeholders involved in the initiative.
EU Member States
Four BettersThe FAO Four Betters supported by the initiative.
Better production
Better environment
