Less farm inspections and new EU loans should help farmers deal with the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. And from October 15, EU countries can pay 75% of direct payments.
The EU Commission is launching an additional assistance package for farmers, which includes expanded lending options and less control over farms. According to this, EU member states can provide farmers with loans of up to 200 thousand euros from the Rural Development Fund (EAFRD), aiz.info reports.
Genetically modified products planted more than 11% of all arable land on the planet.
Member States may take unused funds from the development fund and must not transfer unused funds from the fund back to the EU. EU member states also have more time to prepare their annual reports on rural support programs.
The EU Commission also wants to provide farmers with allowances. Member States can increase the first installment of direct payments from 50% to 75% on October 15th. The first payment for subsidies from rural development programs can be increased from 75% to 85%. The EU Commission also plans to limit on-site inspections to protect farmers and inspectors. EU Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski will soon introduce the necessary legislative amendments.
- The EC did not approve the proposed reduced rate for crops as part of a bio-farm measure.
- According to the European Commission, in 2030 organic production will remain in Europe in the minority. Indeed, by that time only 18 million hectares, or 10% of European households, would be converted to organic.
- Deputies suggest reducing chemical protection of plants as a "common indicator." The European Parliament believes that the use of plant protection chemicals should be reduced to protect pollinating insects such as bees. In a resolution adopted in Strasbourg, members of the European Parliament insisted on "more targeted" measures to protect pollinators.
