News that should relieve farmers. The payment of aid from the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy), paid by the European Union (EU) “is arriving this Wednesday and it will be increased at the maximum rate”, announced the Minister of Agriculture Annie Genevard on Europe 1/CNews .
“I asked my services to ensure that the CAP is paid on time,” she insisted. The first payments will arrive this Wednesday “for 93% of farmers,” said the minister, which according to her represents more than 253,000 farmers and farms. “More than 4.32 billion euros were paid between October 16 and 18” into the accounts of the farmers concerned, details the Ministry of Agriculture in a press release.
“To respond to the cash flow difficulties of many farmers, the minister decided to increase the advance rate to 70% for first pillar aid and to 85% for the Compensatory Allowance for Natural Disabilities (ICHN), i.e. the maximum authorized by European regulations,” continues the ministry.
The agricultural sector was hit at the start of the year by a massive protest movement across the country, paralyzing numerous roads, to denounce the difficulties facing the profession. To put an end to the discontent, the then Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal, announced several measures, including “fiscal and social support” and an agricultural law. This has not yet seen the light of day; its examination has been suspended since the dissolution.
Resumption of the examination of the agricultural law
Nine months later, farmers believe that the promises at the start of the year have not been kept and some are taking various actions to make themselves heard. At the beginning of October in Île-de-France, the Young Farmers of the Ile-de-France union, for example, carried out an operation to exchange signs for several town entrances. Other “punching actions” are planned throughout France.
This Wednesday morning, Annie Genevard assured that “all the commitments that were made with them at the time of the demonstrations are kept in the 2025 budget”, the latter responding “exactly to their demands”. The minister claims to have received feedback from farmers’ unions, “they recognize that it is a good budget”.
In addition to the budget and the payment of the CAP, “we have implemented measures with Prime Minister Michel Barnier, 120 million for viticulture, 75 million euros in emergency funds for the animal sectors, particularly sheep”, affected for several months by bluetongue, announced the Minister of Agriculture.
As for the agricultural orientation bill, “its examination will be resumed”, confirmed Annie Genevard. In the text, agriculture should be included as a “major interest of the nation”. “It’s a commitment, I want to see it through to the end, and quickly,” declared the minister.