EC offers millions to help Poland's ASF-hit pig farmers

The cash is available to Polish pig breeders who may be forced to stop production as a result of their herds being affected by the disease – namely, farmers with a maximum of 50 pigs and/or piglets and located in areas of high risk of outbreaks of ASF, which is notoriously contagious for pigs.

The problem has menaced the EU’s eastern border region since 2014. In order to control the disease and prevent the emergence of new outbreaks, strict health restrictions have been put in place at European level. Polish authorities have introduced additional requirements in the areas most at risk.

12 months​

Breeders will have to send a request for the European aid, which will be paid within the next 12 months.

The financial support will come from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget and falls within the scope of the common organisation of agricultural markets. These rules authorise the EC to propose temporary support measures (for a maximum period of 12 months) to any agricultural sector which is in a position capable of causing “a rapid deterioration in production and market conditions”​.

This is the first time these provisions have been implemented since the adoption of the CAP reform in 2013.