Agriculture, Baltic States – CIS, Estonia, Financial Services, Legislation, Markets and Companies

He noted, however, that the State does not have many options for supporting producers.

Only one agricultural enterprise has requested direct State aid – Rey Seakasvatus, the pig-husbandry farm. However, the Confederation of Farmers have sent a joint letter to the Ministry of Agriculture, referring to a number of options for supporting farmers.

“The dairy sector is the riskiest one, if we speak about imports restrictions,” said Minister Padar. “As for pork – the problem is a much older one, starting with the period two years ago, when Russia imposed its imports restrictions on live pigs,” he added.

The Minister said that the European Commission has recently made a decision to support dairy producers. Pig farmers will start getting extra subsidies at the end of the year, as the aid measure has been set on the State level earlier.

“In December, we will start paying special grants to pig farmers,” said Padar, noting that the amount involved will be approximately 2.6 million euros, to be specified in November. The ministry has calculated that the grants can be paid for approximately 320,000 pigs.

When speaking about State aid options for farmers, Padar said that the opportunities are rather limited, pointing out searching for new markets, starting from proving the veterinary situation in the country.