- The EU is reviewing state aid rules for the agricultural sector, seeking feedback on exemptions for small amounts of aid (de minimis aid).
- Currently, member states can provide up to €20,000 per beneficiary over three fiscal years without prior EU approval.
- Proposed amendments include adjusting thresholds for inflation, increasing the maximum aid to €37,000 over three years, and introducing a mandatory de minimis register to streamline administrative processes.
- The consultation aims to simplify and enhance support mechanisms for farmers, with submissions open until July 21, 2024, via the EU Commission website.
De Minimis Aid: Farmers Urged to Influence €37,000 Boost
Farmers across Europe are being urged by Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) to participate in a crucial consultation on EU state aid rules.
This consultation aims to reshape regulations governing small agricultural grants known as de minimis aid.
Currently, under the EU Agricultural de minimis Regulation, member states can grant up to €20,000 per beneficiary over three fiscal years without prior approval from the European Commission.
However, according to Agriland, with the proposal under review, this ceiling could rise to €37,000 over a similar period, reflecting inflationary pressures.
The European Commission’s review also seeks to introduce a mandatory de minimis register, aiming to streamline administrative processes for farmers.
This move is expected to simplify the process of accessing support, especially for small and medium-sized farms currently burdened by self-declaration requirements.
“This consultation offers a significant opportunity for farmers and stakeholders to shape future support mechanisms,” highlighted a spokesperson from DAFM.
The proposed changes are designed to facilitate simpler, faster, and more efficient aid distribution, supporting agricultural sustainability until 2032.
All interested parties are encouraged to contribute their views via the EU Commission website before the deadline on Sunday, July 21, 2024.
This initiative underscores the EU’s commitment to fostering transparent and supportive policies within the agricultural sector.
