The European Commission has approved state aid under the scheme "Aid to support the liquidity of farmers to overcome the negative economic impact of Russian aggression against Ukraine" in the amount of BGN 426 million (EUR 218 million) to support farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture announced .

The scheme was approved under the Temporary Framework for State aid measures in crises to support the economy following Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

In this way, support is provided for farmers from primary agricultural production - animal breeders, raising large and small ruminants, horses and bee families, and producers of fruits and vegetables, rose oil, rice, wine vines, nuts (walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts), lettuces and lettuces, okra, courgettes and tobacco, in order to counter the negative impact of sanctions imposed or retaliatory measures taken, and to ensure the continuity of economic activity.

Over BGN 1.4 billion has been paid out by the State Fund "Agriculture" to producers for the first six months of the year

Farmers will be eligible to receive assistance in the form of direct grants to offset some of the increased production costs.

The amount of aid for each farmer will be calculated based on the number of animals and hectares of agricultural land, with the individual ceiling being up to BGN 121,261 (EUR 62,000) per enterprise operating in the primary production of agricultural products.

The Board of Directors of DF "Agriculture" is yet to approve guidelines for the application of the aid and set a deadline for receiving applications.

At today's meeting, the Council of Ministers adopted a Decree approving additional expenses under the budget of the DF "Agriculture" for 2022 in the amount of the state aid notified by the EC, as well as for animal welfare, thus the Paying Agency will be able to initiate actions to support farmers in a timely manner.

This provides an opportunity to support farmers due to the challenges the sector is currently facing.