The European Commission adopted a decision on Friday 23 September authorising the payment of early advances to farmers who receive aid from certain area-related schemes in those areas of Italy hit by the earthquake of 24 August.
The earthquake caused extensive damage to agricultural infrastructure in regions in the centre of the country. This has created serious financial difficulties for the farmers in those areas.
The decision allows Italy to pay early advances (before 16 October) at a higher rate. Current rules allow member states to pay advances of up to 50% of direct payments.
As part of July’s crisis aid package, a regulation, which came into effect on 12 September, allows all member states which wish to do so to pay a higher rate of advances of direct payments (70% rather than 50%) from 16 October (see EUROPE 11620). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)