Brussels, 19/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has authorised an aid regime with a budget of €50 million, designed to support Portuguese farmers facing problems due to the economic crisis. The aid will take the form of interest rebates, which can be granted until 31 December 2011. This regime complies with the temporary framework of the Commission for state aid to promote access to funding in the context of the current economic and financial crisis.
The regime is open to farmers from all sub-sectors of primary agricultural production, as long as they were not already in difficulties on 1 July 2008 (in other words, before the crisis started). It is valid until 31 December 2011 and provides for aid of up to €15,000 per farmer. (L.C./transl.fl)