12 February 2024

2 minute learn

Following a constructive vote by Member States, the Fee has agreed to present €46.7 million to Italy to assist compensate farmers in areas affected by outbreaks of avian influenza. Financed by the agricultural reserve, the funds should be made to farmers by 30 September 2024.

Between 1 January 2022 and 30 April 2022, 23 outbreaks of extremely pathogenic avian influenza of subtype H5 have been confirmed and notified by Italy. The species affected have been chickens, laying hens, turkeys, geese and Guinea fowls. Italy instantly and effectively took all the required animal well being and veterinary measures, together with management, monitoring and preventive measures. Safety and surveillance zones have been established. This led to a lack of manufacturing of hatching eggs, desk eggs and reside animals within the farms positioned in these areas underneath motion restrictions, in addition to losses on account of destroyed and downgraded eggs and meat.

Following a proper request by Italy, the Fee determined, after thorough evaluation, to cowl with EU funds 50% of the expenditure borne by Italy to help involved farmers severely affected in areas underneath motion restrictions on account of outbreaks of avian flu. A complete of €46 670 790 from the agricultural reserve can be supplied. This quantity was established on the premise of set compensation quantity per animal and egg.

Solely farms positioned in these regulated zones and affected by the management measures attributable to the 23 talked about outbreaks can be entitled to obtain this help. To keep away from double funding with public cash, losses suffered mustn’t have been compensated by state assist or insurance coverage. Funds co-financed by the agricultural reserve should be made by 30 September 2024 on the newest.

After the formal approval of the help measure by the Fee, the implementing regulation can be printed within the EU Official Journal and is anticipated to enter into power at the start of February.