Italy receives EU agricultural aid and regional drought relief proposals

The European Commission has approved 285 million euros in state aid for Italian agricultural, fishing, and aquaculture businesses. This support aims to mitigate the impact of rising fuel and fertilizer costs linked to Middle East instability. The aid, which includes direct grants and tax incentives, will remain available until December 31, 2026, under the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework.

In the Piedmont region, Confagricoltura Piemonte has proposed an additional 1.2 million euros to bolster regional resources for management loans. This proposal seeks to increase the total regional fund to 3.05 million euros to support both individual farmers and cooperatives struggling with prolonged drought. The requested funds would help cover interest on short-term loans, providing relief to businesses in plain, hill, and mountain areas.