"On July 9th, the European Commission proposed to mobilize 77 million euros [84.1 million USD] from the agricultural reserve to support Austrian, Czech and Polish producers of the fruit and vegetable sectors who have recently suffered from unfavorable weather phenomena of unprecedented magnitude," according to the press release of the European Commission. Portuguese wine producers will also receive some of this aid, as they are "facing serious market disruptions."
In its proposals, accepted by the member states, the Commission allocates 10 million euros [10.9 million USD] to Austria, 15 million euros [16.4 million USD] to the Czech Republic, 37 million euros [40.4 million USD] to Poland and 15 million euros [16.4 million USD] to Portugal. These countries can supplement up to 200% of the EU aid with national funds, according to the Commission / © Dreamstime.
"Unprecedented frost"
In the spring, the Czech Republic, parts of Austria and Poland were hit by an unprecedented frost which, after exceptionally mild temperatures in March, had a considerable impact on orchards and vineyards. Hail caused further damage in Poland. A significant proportion of both surface areas and production were damaged, jeopardizing the economic viability of the affected farms. The national authorities will distribute the aid directly to farmers to compensate them for their economic losses. Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland will have to notify the Commission of the arrangements for implementing the measures, namely the criteria used to calculate individual aid, the expected impact of the measure, its evaluation and the action taken to avoid distortions of competition and overcompensation.
The payments to farmers under the emergency financial assistance for the Czech Republic, Austria and Poland must be made no later than January 31st, 2025.
Source: commission.europa.eu