(ANSA) - Rome, January 20 - Italian Agriculture Minister
Maurizio Martina will on Monday speak to EU Agriculture
Commissioner Phil Hogan about increasing urgent funds for
farmers affected by the latest earthquakes.
The proposal will be to raise the sum contained in the EU
budget from a current 23 million euros to 35 million euros to
cover farmers' lost earnings and extend it to enterprises in the
muncipalities hit by the latest earthquake.
The aid would be paid out on the basis of the number of
livestock owned prior to the earthquake with direct
contributions for cows, pigs, sheep and horses.
The first instalment of about 12 million euros will be paid
by the end of February, with simplified cost-free procedures for
farmers.
The announcement came during a meeting on Friday at the
Teramo prefecture to take stock of the emergency situation
rsulting from the earthquake and bad weather conditions.
The second intervention would entail advance payment of 85%
of rural development funds, broadening the previously granted EU
authorization to farms in the areas just hit.
Farm minister wants more EU funds
To speak to commissioner on Monday in Brussels