Aid for fruit growers may be doubled. It is possible that the payment will be made in the fall

Pomoc dla sadowników może być podwojona. Możliwe, że wypłata już jesienią

The Commission's proposals, accepted by the Member States, allocated EUR 10 million for Austria, EUR 15 million for the Czech Republic, EUR 37 million for Poland and EUR 15 million for Portugal. These countries can complement EU support by up to 200% with national funds.

This spring, the Czech Republic, parts of Austria and parts of Poland were hit by unprecedented frosts, which had a significant impact on orchards and vineyards after exceptionally mild temperatures in March. Additional damage was caused in Poland by hailstorms. The areas and share of production concerned are significant and threaten the viability of the affected farms.

That's up to a year and a half without income on farms. Help from the EU at the end of July

National authorities will distribute the aid directly to farmers to compensate them for economic losses. Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland will have to notify the Commission of the details of the implementation of the measures, in particular the criteria used to calculate individual aid, the intended impact of the measure, its assessment and the actions taken to avoid distortion of competition and overcompensation.

The minister also announced that talks are being held to exempt those farms that suffered during this year's extreme weather phenomena and therefore have huge financial difficulties from tax, from KRUS, or, for example, from lease rent, if they lease from KOWR. Additionally, he emphasized that if the EC provides assistance and the opportunity to double financial resources, even despite budget difficulties, he cannot imagine not using these funds and opportunities.

When will the funds for relief after frosts and hail be disbursed?

By October 31, Poland must have a regulation of the Council of Ministers and a notification from the European Commission on this matter. Therefore, all estimation work should be completed in September this year. The minister clearly emphasized that he wants the funds to be disbursed in the fall of this year. However, the EC emphasizes that payments to farmers under extraordinary financial support for the Czech Republic, Austria and Poland must be made by January 31, 2025.