MINISTERIAL - PLAN TO SUPPORT PIG FARMING FROM FOOT AND MOUTH - MAXIMUM AID €340,000 - Filenews 30/3
The "Support Plan for the Pig Farming Sector (Fattening Pigs) due to the effects of Foot-and-mouth Disease", with a maximum aid amount of €340,000, was approved during its last meeting by the Council of Ministers, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.
According to the announcement, the decision is part of the overall management of the impact caused by the restrictive measures on foot-and-mouth disease, which adversely affected the disposal of products of animal origin and in particular the pig sector.
The aim of the Plan, the implementation of which is carried out by the Department of Agriculture, as mentioned, is the direct support of pig farmers and the maintenance of the viability of the units, through the enhancement of liquidity, as well as the smoother adaptation of production to the existing market conditions.
In this context, according to the announcement of the Ministry of Agriculture, the payment of financial aid of up to €54 per fattening pig led to slaughter is foreseen, with a maximum aid amount of €50,000 per beneficiary.
It is added that the maximum amount of aid amounts to €340,000 and will be covered by appropriations from the budget of the Department of Agriculture.
It is also stated that the Plan aims to contribute at the same time to ensuring the disposal of domestic production and to the gradual normalization of the market, at a time when the restrictions have affected the trade flows of the sector.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, beneficiaries of the Scheme are natural or legal persons who own or manage registered pig farms and participate in the annual Pig Farming Review.
It is added that the application process has already started at the relevant District Agricultural Offices and will last until April 2.
It is stated that the aid will be granted in accordance with the European de minimis framework, ensuring compliance with the European Union's state aid rules.
Finally, the Ministry of Agriculture states that with the competent services they continue to monitor the situation and proceed with interventions to support the sector, depending on the needs that arise.
CNA
