January 20, 2024
EU approves Czech Republic schemes over US$1.5 billion to safeguard poultry and swine health
The European Commission has given the green light to two Czech Republic schemes, collectively exceeding EUR 1.4 billion (US$1.5 billion), designed to bolster farmers in safeguarding against the transmission of specific diseases affecting poultry and swine, Agriland reported.
These initiatives, slated to continue until December 31, 2029, primarily target the prevention of avian influenza (bird flu), salmonella, poultry campylobacteriosis, porcine brucellosis, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, and salmonellosis.
Open to farms of all sizes in the Czech Republic, the schemes incorporate an array of biosecurity measures. The financial aid, structured as direct grants, aims to offset the additional expenses related to farm premises and equipment cleaning, feed and water treatment, and veterinary interventions. The commission specifies that this assistance will cover up to 50% of the eligible costs.
Assessed under European Union State aid rules, which permit member states to support specific economic activities under defined conditions, the commission asserts that the proposed measures facilitate the production of poultry and pork. Deemed necessary and appropriate, the schemes ensure that farmers implement measures to prevent farm contamination and the spread of targeted diseases.
Aligned with the broader goals of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the schemes contribute to long-term food security and enhance the EU's responsiveness to societal demands related to food and health. The commission emphasises the "incentive effect" of the aid, suggesting that beneficiaries would not undertake these preventive measures without public support.
Margrethe Vestager, executive vice president overseeing EU competition policy, said the Czech schemes will ensure the production of healthy and safe food, supporting farmers in adopting measures to prevent the spread of certain animal diseases, and contribute to achieving the EU agricultural objective of ensuring long-term food security, without unduly distorting competition.
- Agriland
