Transitional support is paid to even off the levels of agricultural support in individual member states of the union. Estonia had ceased making these payments under the previous Reform Party government, while countries in its region, e.g. Latvia, continued with them. In the view of the farmers as well as that of the new government, this puts Estonian producers at a competitive disadvantage.

“The payments of transitional support for farmers will be resumed starting this year to ensure more equal competitive conditions for Estonian producers on the European Union’s common market and give them confidence to stay in business,” Tamm said. “There are signs that the situation on the dairy market has started to improve, and the milk purchase price has started to rise. At the same time, the sector has incurred very big losses in recent years. In addition to helping the market recover, the transition facility provides the opportunity to think about new investments sooner, and thereby prepare oneself for future crises.”

Applications for support under five animal husbandry transition measures included in the directive will be accepted via the agricultural registers and information authority, PRIA, between March 2 and 21. The money under the animal husbandry measures is to be paid out by the end of June this year. In addition, transitional support will be paid under the agricultural crops and hayseed items, applications for which will be accepted from May 2 to 21.

As part of the 2013 reform of the EU Common Agricultural Policy, the possibility to make payments to farmers under the transitional facility was extended until 2020. The measure is voluntary for member states.