Brussels, 25/08/2022 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 25 August, the European Commission authorised a French aid scheme worth €120 million to compensate primary producers in the poultry sector affected by the hygiene measures implemented as part of the fight against the avian influenza epidemic of 2021-2022. The measure will be open to operators in the breeding and harvesting of gallinaceous animals, palmipeds and game birds directly affected by the epizootic. The aid will take the form of a direct grant. The maximum amount of aid will be 100% of the eligible costs. The Commission assessed the scheme under the EU State aid rules and the Guidelines for State aid in the agriculture and forestry sectors. The Commission concluded that the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy the serious disruption to the poultry sector caused by avian influenza. (LC)