In a letter obtained on Monday 20 August, European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan confirms he is considering additional measures (derogations regarding fodder crop production) to help EU farmers adjust to the effect of drought in recent weeks (see EUROPE 12076).
In response to a letter from Michel Dantin (EPP, France) on support to compensate for the adverse effects of drought, Hogan points out he intends to agree to the request put forward by several countries, including France, for a derogation from the rules relating to catch crops (in the context of areas of ecological interest). The measure should allow farmers to “enjoy greater flexibility for fodder crop production”, the commissioner explains in his response to Dantin. The measures will above all be of benefit to livestock farmers.
The other two measures announced early August by the Commission are: around 15 October, farmers may receive up to 70% of their direct payments and 85% of rural development payments (and will therefore not have to wait until December to rebalance the coffers), and farmers will also benefit from exemption from certain greening requirements (diversification of crops and rules on areas of ecological interest) in relation to set-aside land, which will allow them to use that land to produce animal feed. Such exemptions on set-aside were agreed on 14 August in favour of eight EU countries (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal and Sweden).
No emergency procedure. Concerning Dantin’s request to act according to emergency procedure to help farmers in great difficulty, Hogan considers that, given the diverse nature of the problems presented by the countries and the need to reflect upon the flexibility most needed “it does not seem appropriate, at present, for adoption by emergency procedure”.
During its next meeting on 29 and 30 August, the EP committee on agriculture will discuss the matter of drought and its consequences. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)