site.btaLaw Amended Conclusively to Offset Impact of War in Ukraine on Some Farmers, SMEs

Following debates held within the same sitting, Parliament Thursday passed on first and second reading amendments to the Agricultural Producers Support Act pertaining to the application of an exceptional measure funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) in aid of farmers hit by the consequences of the war in Ukraine. 

The measure allows Member States to pay a one-off lump sum to farmers and agri-food businesses affected by significant increases in input costs. 

Once enacted in the national legislation, a Member State can decide to use available funds of up to 5% of their EAFRD budget for the years 2021-2022 for direct income support for farmers and SMEs active in the processing, marketing or development of agricultural products. 

The support is to be targeted at beneficiaries who are most affected by the current crisis and who are engaged in circular economy, nutrient management, efficient use of resources or environmental and climate friendly production methods. Selected farmers and SMEs can receive up to EUR 15,000 and EUR 100,000 respectively. The payments should be made by 15 October 2023.