An Additional €1B for European Agriculture

At the March 23, 2009 Council of the European Union, the agriculture ministers of the 27 Member States focused on the consequences of the economic crisis on agriculture, so that they could recommend measures to assist European farmers during these difficult times. Undeniably, agriculture is concerned by the crisis, just like any other economic activity. As explained by Petr Gandalovic, the Czech Minister for Agriculture, “the effects of the crisis are reflected not only in the falling milk prices, but also in the fact that it is more difficult for farmers to obtain loans or that we are facing a lower demand for basic agricultural goods.”

To that end, the 27 members adopted an “anti-crisis” package of over one billion Euros for agriculture, out of the five billion Euros “anti-crisis” package approved at the recent March 27 European Summit.

This decision by the Council testifies to the European Union genuine political will to curb the economic difficulties facing agriculture. But it also demonstrates the European Union’s sincere commitment to maintain long-term support to its agricultural activities, a welcomed resolution following the stimulus programs allotted to flagship industries, such as automotive.