Brussels, 08/06/2005 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has authorised new Italian measures in support of farmers hit by natural disasters. Italy has decided to repeal the existing provisions and set up a new single and coherent legal framework, to pay compensation to farmers for damage caused by natural disasters and poor climatic conditions. This aid will be in the region of €100 million a year. Together with the newly authorised system, Italy has brought in a new support system (also with a total budget of €100 million) for insurance policies taken out by farmers against certain agricultural risks. This measure contains no State aid, and therefore does not require the Commission's prior authorisation.