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European Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski presented to the Ministers of Agriculture at their meeting today the European Commission's proposal for support worth 56.3 million euros, financed from the agricultural reserve, which is expected to compensate the affected farmers for the economic losses due to the increased imports of cereals and oilseeds, and limit the impact of market imbalances on their planting decisions, the European Commission reported.

Farmers in countries bordering Ukraine are expressing concern about the effects of increased imports of Ukrainian grains and oilseeds on local markets.

Trade disruptions caused by Russian aggression should not harm farmers from neighboring countries.

Based on the assessment sent by the Member States concerned, the Commission analyzes the situation, looking at the oversupply of products at national and regional level and the possible impact on the prices of local production.

Pressure on logistics chains, which affects prices and market opportunities for farmers near the border, was also considered, especially for Romania.

The Labor Inspectorate begins intensified inspections in agriculture

The financial aid will be distributed among the three member states, who will then distribute it to farmers as soon as possible.

The Commission proposes to allocate EUR 29.5 million to Poland, EUR 16.75 million to Bulgaria and EUR 10.05 million to Romania.

The three countries can complement this EU support up to 100 percent with national funds, which would amount to a total financial aid of 112.6 million euros for the affected farmers, BTA added.

The commission will expect payments to farmers to be made by September 30, 2023, with the three countries also committed to informing the EC of how the funds have been distributed and how farmers have been helped, among other things.

The Commission's draft measure, in the form of an implementing regulation, is currently being discussed with Member States, who will vote on it at the meeting of the Commission for the Common Organization of Agricultural Markets scheduled for 30 March.

If the measure is approved, it will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union at the beginning of April and will enter into force the day after its publication, so that Bulgaria, Poland and Romania can implement it immediately.

Context

The Commission is helping Ukraine and its farmers to plant and grow the grains and oilseeds that are desperately needed by them and the world, and facilitating their export, in particular through Solidarity Roads and the Black Sea Grain Initiative, as well as through temporary removal of all duties and quotas for their exports.

The EC is fully committed to continuing to support Ukraine in these difficult times, while monitoring the impact of Russian aggression against Ukraine on EU farmers.

To mitigate and support EU farmers, the Commission has also introduced a comprehensive package of measures to ensure food security and strengthen the resilience of food systems.

financial assistance

European Commission

farmers