Brussels, 23/11/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 23 November, the European Commission authorised a German aid regime designed to support farmers struggling as a result of the current economic crisis. According to the German authorities, the drop in production prices has brought about a loss of revenue in the order of 6 billion euros for the agricultural sector of the country. The aid, for a total of 100 million euros, is open to farmers from all sub-sectors of primary agricultural production who have struggled since the crisis began (since 1 July 2008 only). It is limited to 31 December 2010 and comes on top of other crisis measures already set in place by Germany. The aid provided can go up to 15,000 euros per farmer and take the form of direct subsidies, interest subsidies, subsidised loans and subsidise guarantees. The Commission believes that the new German regime respects all the conditions set in place by the modified temporary framework for State aid. It is considered necessary and proportionate and able to remedy a serious disturbance to the German economy. The Commission therefore concluded that it could be authorised under article 87, paragraph 3, point b of the EEC Treaty. (A.B./trans.fl)