The Commission Increases Support for Farmers Struggling with Drought

To assist them in coping with the consequences of extreme droughts, the European Commission has decided that European farmers will be able to use advances for direct payments and rural development payments, and they will be granted greater flexibility in using land that is otherwise not utilized for production for animal feed purposes, it was announced from Brussels on Thursday.

Farmers will thus be able to receive up to 70 percent of direct payments and 85 percent of rural development payments as early as mid-October this year instead of waiting until December to improve their financial situation, the Commission states.

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“I am very concerned about these prolonged climate changes. I am discussing this situation with numerous ministers from affected countries who are providing me with updated assessments of the drought’s consequences. The Commission is, as always, ready to provide support to farmers affected by drought through a range of instruments, including higher advances and deviations from greening requirements and state aid rules. The Common Agricultural Policy already includes protective mechanisms for farmers facing unforeseen events. I urge all member states to explore all possible actions and measures provided for in our legislation,” said Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan.

The prolonged drought in several EU countries has significant consequences for arable crops and for the production of animal feed, with possible implications for animal welfare. Additionally, the reduction in the level of animal feed production particularly affects the income of livestock farmers as a potential shortage of feed in the second half of the year will increase their input costs.

In addition to higher advances and deviations from specific greening requirements, existing support under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) can also be utilized, including state aid, de minimis aid (small value aid that does not require notification and control by the Commission), investments in rural development, and risk management instruments.

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Under existing rules, support can amount to up to 80 percent of the damage caused by drought, provided certain conditions are met.

Compensation for damage can also be granted without notification and control by the Commission (de minimis aid).

Member states can grant support of 15,000 euros per farmer over three years.

The Commission is in contact with all member states and should receive updated information on the consequences of the spring and summer drought for their farmers by August 31.