European Commission backs agri-food sector amid coronavirus crisis
Since the beginning of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, crisis, the European Commission has implemented a number of measures designed to support the agri-food sector.
These include extending the deadline for CAP payment applications, increasing state aid, and working to ensure the continuous flow of food products across the EU.
- Extension of the deadline for CAP payment applications: The new deadline for applications will now be 15 June 2020, instead of 15 May, allowing for more flexibility for farmers to fill in their applications in these difficult and uparalleled times. The extension has already been communicated for Italy and the Comissions is working on the legal steps to implement it for all Member States.
- Increased state aid: Under the newly adopted Temporary Framework for state aid, farmers can now benefit from a maximum aid of €100,000 per farm. Food processing and marketing companies can benefit from a maximum of €800,000.
- Continuous flow of food products across the EU: the Commission is coordinating closely with Member States to ensure a functioning single market for goods by creating ‘Green Lanes’. These green lanes, based on designated key border crossing points, will have border crossing checks that will not exceed 15 minutes. Passage is now granted for all goods.
“We are facing an unprecedented crisis and I am ever more grateful to our farmers and producers for their continuous hard work, despite the increasing difficulties and pressure. These challenging times have shown the resilience of our food supply chain,” said Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski.
The Commission will continue to follow the situation in ‘close contact’ with Member States. “We are ready to take further action when necessary,” said Commissioner Wojciechowski.
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