Brussels, 27/07/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 27 July, the management committee for direct payments supported a proposal to authorise farmers in nine Member States (France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxemburg, Finland and Sweden) to use set aside land for animal feed purposes. These decisions, which have still to be approved officially by the European Commission, were taken because of continuing difficulties in providing feeding for livestock in those regions affected by the drought. Under existing rules, the use of raw materials cultivated on set-aside land can only be authorised from 31 August. The Commission says that the use of set-aside land for lucrative purposes (sale of animal fodder) is not allowed.