Fertiliser prices: the European Parliament approves aid for farmers

Brussels – The European Parliament today (7 July) approved a series of measures to mitigate the impact of rising fertiliser prices on EU farmers.

The text, adopted without amendments by 576 votes in favour, 62 against and 15 abstentions, amends the Common Agricultural Policy following a Commission proposal. Farmers will be able to receive financial support of up to 80 per cent of additional fertiliser costs, with the aim of preventing production declines and consumer price increases. 

Member States will also be able to increase advance payments on direct payments from 70 to 75 per cent and disburse them immediately upon application, without waiting until 16 October as required under current rules. Fertiliser prices, which account for up to 16 per cent of agricultural production costs, have risen due to the war in Ukraine and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The text must now be formally adopted by the Council before it can enter into force.

Article written with the assistance of AI.