After a special meeting of the EU agriculture ministers in Brussels, the Commission has announced a package of measures for European farmers. A few of the actions are: targeted support for the dairy sector in all 28 EU countries, the early payment of direct aid, support funds for the storage of pork and an extension of those programs for butter and milk, and assistance with opening up new markets. With these supports the Commission wants to alleviate the cash flow problems of farmers, and on the other hand stabilize markets and ensure a better functioning supply chain. The basis remains a market-orientated approach of the EU agricultural policy.
Speaking at the extraordinary Council of agriculture Ministers, Vice-President Katainen said: "This package will allow for €500 million of EU funds to be used for the benefit of farmers immediately. This is a robust and decisive response. This response demonstrates that the Commission takes its responsibility towards farmers very seriously and is prepared to back it up with the appropriate funds." This is important according to Katainen considering the current budget.
In response to the Russian ban of European agricultural products the European Commission already provided support funds amounting to 220 million Euro to stabilize the European market. The EU paid about 150 million Euro for 760,000 metric tons of fruit and vegetables, which were taken off the market, 13 million Euro for the storage of dairy products, milk powder, butter and cheese, in commercial storage facilities, and 17 millions Euro for the storage of 60,000 metric tons of pork meat. Furthermore an extra 40 million Euro was available for dairy farmers in four countries that suffered particularly under the import ban.
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ec.europa.euSource: ec.europa.eu