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Farmers facing significant losses in their strawberry and fruit tree crops due to spring frost, hurricanes, or hailstorms in Poland can now apply for financial aid. The Polish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has introduced a support program offering a subsidy of 2,500 PLN per hectare of fruit-bearing orchards and strawberry fields affected by these natural disasters. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden borne by farmers dealing with extensive crop damage.
Eligibility and Application Period
Farmers who have incurred at least a 70 percent loss in their fruit tree and strawberry crops during this year’s spring frosts, hurricanes, or hailstorms are eligible to apply for assistance. The application window for this program is open from October 6 to October 20, 2023.
The subsidy rate of 2,500 PLN per hectare applies to the damaged fruit-bearing orchards and strawberry fields. The amount of aid granted is determined by multiplying the declared damaged area by the subsidy rate, with a cap of 15,000 euros equivalent in Polish currency per household. However, it’s essential to note that farmers without insurance coverage for at least 50 percent of their agricultural land (excluding meadows and pastures) will see their aid reduced by 50 percent.
How to Apply
To apply for assistance, interested farmers must submit their applications to the district office of the Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture (ARiMR) relevant to their place of residence or agricultural operation. The application form will be available on the ARiMR website, simplifying the process for affected farmers.
The aid will be provided in two categories: de minimis and non-de minimis. De minimis assistance is available when agricultural losses amount to up to 30 percent of the average annual production over the past three years. For losses exceeding 30 percent, non-de minimis aid will be provided. This ensures that farmers with more substantial losses receive the necessary support.
The Polish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s assistance program offers a lifeline to farmers grappling with the aftermath of spring frost, hurricanes, and hailstorms. By providing financial aid tailored to the extent of crop damage, the government aims to help these farmers recover and continue their essential role in the country’s agriculture sector.