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Saturday, 14.12.2024, 07:42
Latvian farmers to receive 50% more in support from EU in next planning period
BC, Riga, 28.06.2013.Print version
Yesterday's agreement on the Common Agricultural Policy post 2014 stipulates that Latvian farmers will receive EUR 2.678 billion in support from the European Union during the next planning period (2014-2020), a 50% increase on the previous planning period, Agriculture Minister Laimdota Straujuma told reporters today, informs LETA/Nozare.lv.
Latvian farmers, however, must be aware that this support will be aimed only at active farmers. Small farms, which keep rural areas alive, will be able to choose whether to receive direct payments or EUR 500-700 per year. They will also find it easier to apply for the bloc's support and will be subjected to fewer inspections, said the minister.
Straujama admitted that the European Parliament, the bloc's presiding country Ireland and the European Commission did not solve several matters of great importance for Latvia – the ceiling for direct payments to Baltic farmers, the maximum amount of direct payments to large households, the redistribution of funds for direct payments and rural development.