Warm remediation delayed by state aid rules

The planned opening of the subsidy scheme for the remediation of pig farms (Srv) on 15 August has been postponed. The approval process with the European Commission in connection with state aid rules is taking more time than planned.

"It is a legal process that has to take place very carefully. Questions can also be asked. There is constant contact with the European Commission," explains the explanation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. 

Moved to fall
Minister Carola Schouten wants to prevent that after publication of the definitive regulation in the Government Gazette there is insufficient time for pig farmers to properly assess the definitive regulation and make a decision. As soon as the state aid approval has been obtained, the Srv can be made final.

The postponed scheme is now expected to be open to registrations for a period of 6 weeks in the autumn. Once the European Commission's approval has been received, the exact schedule can be finalized.

Financial compensation approval
The Srv states that pig farming locations that cause odor nuisance and whose owners are considering stopping can receive a subsidy, consisting on the one hand of a market-based financial compensation for pig rights and on the other hand a subsidy for the loss of value of the stables.

The amount of the subsidy for the pig rights is determined a few days prior to the opening of the Srv on the basis of the then prevailing market price. The government is making €180 million available for the scheme. The European Commission assesses whether these financial compensations comply with state aid rules.

Minister Schouten is one of the speakers at the National Economic Agricultural Congress of Boerenbusiness. Click here for the program and tickets.

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