Commission meets livestock farmers

The European Commission (EC) has decided to accommodate livestock farmers affected by the drought. For example, an exemption from the greening requirements will be introduced in 8 European member states. Livestock can now graze there in ecological focus areas as well as on parcels that participate in crop diversification.

The Commission has recognized that the drought is serious and is therefore responding to the request for a temporary derogation from the greening rules. The exemption applies to Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Portugal and Sweden. In these Member States you can now also choose to receive the direct payment in advance.

Reduced Yields
The EC is concerned about the current drought, especially in combination with the high temperatures. As a result, the yields for grassland are considerably lower. The nutritional value of the various crops is also lower, forcing livestock farmers to graze their livestock on plots that were actually intended for silage.

The alternative feeds have also been affected, according to the EC. The Commission is referring here, for example, to the cereals that ripen early to be. This has led to problems with the affordability of animal feeds. By relaxing the regulations, the parcels that are registered as an ecological focus area can be used for grazing.

Anne-Jan Doorn

Anne Jan Doorn is an arable expert at Boerenbusiness. He writes about the various arable farming markets and also focuses on the land and energy market.

aj.doorn@boerenbusiness. Nl

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