Government allocates 7.6 million euros to stuggling farmers
The government has decided to support the hard-hit Estonian farmers with 7.6 million euros, out of which 3 million will be paid out this year, subject to permission by the European Commission (EC).
Urmas Kruuse, the Minister of Rural Affairs, said that the financial support package is aimed at the agricultural sectors that have been hardest hit, such as dairy and pork industry.
“For example, the grain industry has not experienced the type of crisis that has affected pig or dairy farmers,” Kruuse said.
The EC recently announced a comprehensive support package worth 500 million euros, recognising the difficulties being experienced by producers across European Union. Estonia is expected to receive up to 10.56 million euros. However, the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce has said that Estonian farmers need 30 million euros in financial support.
The dairy industry has especially suffered, affected by the Russian ban on European dairy products. In addition, many Estonian pig farmers are stuggling due to the outbreak of African Swine Fever, which has forced number of farms to kill all their animals.
Last week, Estonian farmers organized a massive demonstration, taking over 100 tractors to front of the Parliament building in Tallinn, and demanding more support from the government.
Editor: S. Tambur