20/09/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 19 September, the management committee backed a proposal to allow Member States to make early payment of up to 50% of the direct payments to farmers in respect of 2006, between 16 October and 1st December. Usually payment of aid begins on 1st December. The Commission accepted this derogation to help farmers who have been badly affected by the difficult weather conditions this summer (drought, floods).