European Commission outlines new support package worth €500 million for European farmers

On the 18 July 2016, the European Commission presented to the Council of the European Union a new package of measures worth €500 million from EU funds to support farmers, particularly on the dairy market.

The package includes:

+ a scheme to incentivise a reduction in milk production;

+ conditional adjustment aid;

+ a range of technical measures to provide flexibility, cash-flow relief and reinforce the safety net instruments.

The main goal is to recover prices paid to farmers, so that they may make a living from their work and continue to provide high quality food for citizens as well as contribute to rural areas.

This announcement came in addition to a separate package for €500 million that had been presented by the European Commission in September 2015, and to other measures implemented since then.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Measures to address the crisis in the dairy sector http://www.europeansources.info/record/measures-to-address-the-crisis-in-the-dairy-sector/

ESO: Background information: Price volatility in agricultural markets: Risk management and other tools http://www.europeansources.info/record/price-volatility-in-agricultural-markets-risk-management-and-other-tools/

EurActiv, 19.07.16: EU throws fresh cash at struggling dairy farmers http://www.euractiv.com/section/agriculture-food/news/eu-throws-fresh-cash-at-struggling-farmers/

Deutsche Welle, 18.07.16: EU grants millions more in aid to help struggling farmers http://dw.com/p/1JR7g

Euronews, 18.07.16: EU grants additional 500 million euros to farmers, mainly dairy http://www.euronews.com/business-newswires/3221963-eu-grants-additional-500-million-euros-to-farmers-mainly-dairy/

Agriland, 18.07.16: Farm organisations call for EU dairy package to be delivered urgently https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/farm-organisations-call-for-eu-dairy-package-to-be-delivered-urgently/

Politico, 19.07.16: Europe offers €500 million to help dairy farmers http://www.politico.eu/article/europe-awaits-last-ditch-effort-to-save-its-milk-farms-commission-overproduction/

Copa-Cogeca: Press Release, 18.07.16: Copa & Cogeca welcomed tonight EU Farm Ministers approval of the 500 million euros rescue package to help struggling EU agricultural producers http://www.copa-cogeca.be/Download.ashx?ID=1545621&fmt=pdf

Copa-Cogeca: Press Release, 18.07.16: Copa & Cogeca welcomed tonight EU Farm Ministers approval of the 500 million euros rescue package to help struggling EU agricultural producers http://www.copa-cogeca.be/Download.ashx?ID=1545790&fmt=pdf

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