EU adopts new support package for farmers amid fertilizer price surge

The European Commission has approved a package of measures to help farmers across the European Union cope with sharply higher fertilizer costs caused by geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions. The plan introduces a new liquidity regime under the rural development framework, co‑financed up to 65 % by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, with the option for member states to add national funding of up to 200 %. It also allows direct advance payments to be made before 16 October with an increased advance rate, improving cash flow for producers. Member states will gain greater flexibility to adjust direct‑payment allocations for the 2027 fiscal year to offset the impact of high fertilizer prices. The measures complement a €540 million exceptional support package announced in the Fertiliser Action Plan on 27 July 2026, aiming to strengthen food security, strategic autonomy and EU competitiveness.