Work is underway on a regulation under which funds will be paid to farmers affected by spring frosts and hail, announced the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Czesław Siekierski. In total, the aid pool may amount to as much as PLN 476 million. The head of the Ministry of Agriculture also touched on the subject of losses incurred as a result of drought.
– Efficient preparation of the draft regulation is very important because it will enable the payment of national aid until 31 December this year and EU aid until 31 January 2025 – emphasized Minister Siekierski during a meeting with representatives of agricultural chambers and organizations.
Funds for farmers
As indicated in the ministry's announcement, the meeting was an opportunity to discuss the detailed conditions for implementing support and to discuss the working assumptions of the draft regulation of the Council of Ministers implementing EU regulations. The minister assured that the ministry has already started legislative work in this area.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reminded that European Commission published on 23 July 2024 an implementing regulation on providing exceptional financial support to the fruit and vegetables and wine sectors affected by climatic phenomena in Austria, Czech Republic and Poland. The mechanism provides assistance to agricultural producers eligible for support who have suffered economic losses as a result of adverse weather events, i.e. April frosts and May hailstorms.
Minister Siekierski noted that EU support may be increased by aid from the national budget. “In the case of Poland, it may be 200% of the amount of EU support, i.e. the total aid pool may amount to as much as PLN 476 million,” he added.
“There was no harvest there”
As reported by the ministry, Siekierski also raised issues related to aid for farmers in municipalities where crop losses are 100 percent. – There was no harvest there, and it is practically over. These farmers need financial support to eliminate damage, but also to prepare the land for production in order to maintain its continuity – assessed the minister.
Siekierski also touched on the subject of losses incurred as a result of drought. He announced that he would like to regulate this issue with appropriate provisions in the budget for 2025.
Main image source: Shutterstock