France: Aid for farms affected by bluetongue

Help also for grain farmers and winemakers In France, animal owners affected by the latest strain of bluetongue can count on government support. Prime Minister Michel Barnier announced this during his visit to the livestock trade fair “Sommet de l’èlevage”. In this context, the government will provide a total of €75 million to mitigate the effects of the serotype 3 (BTV-3) epidemic through direct subsidies. According to Barnier, loans with state-guaranteed interest will also be available for companies in economic difficulty; grain farmers and winemakers, among others, should also benefit from this. Only greater support will prevent the collapse of livestock farming The French Farmers’ Association (FNSEA) and the Young Farmers’ Organisation (JA) welcomed the announcements of the head of government. However, they assume that the promised amount will be far from sufficient. FNSEA President Arnaud Rousseau estimated the actual need at the equivalent of €150 million. If the state wants ...