Brussels, 22/07/2003 (Agence Europe) - During Tuesday's Agriculture Council, Germany, Austria, France and Italy called on the European Commission to propose additional measures (other than those already granted for set aside in order to feed livestock) in order to face up to the consequences of the drought that has affected their territory since March. Commissioner Franz Fischler gave a list of the measures possible: - intervention in the rice sector; - early payment of advances for suckler cows and male cattle; - a Community surface aid for horticulture. Mr Fischler also recalled that the Commission may give its approval to national aid, on condition that the rate of loss is at least 30% (20% in disadvantaged areas) and if the existence of farms is threatened. In this context, Italian Minister Giovanni Alemanno stressed that the Italian Presidency hopes to enter into more detailed discussion on the systems to insure against natural risks. German Minister Renate Künast recalled when speaking to the press that the Commission had already approved the use of set aside land in order to feed animals and that the farmers of his country have received exceptional bank loans. At Community level, she recalled the possibility of early direct aid and possibly of intervention for the EU solidarity fund (in the knowledge, however, that the situation is not as disastrous as it was during last year's flooding).