en.Wedoany.com Reported - The European Commission (CE) this Friday rolled out a series of measures to help farmers cope with the sharp rise in fertilizer costs and to bolster Europe's food security.

In recent months, geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions have driven up fertilizer prices across Europe. These measures build on targeted adjustments to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), enabling member states to provide farmers with purchasing support in a faster and more flexible manner.

The European Commission stated that the new measures comprise three key components. The first is the establishment of a dedicated liquidity mechanism for crisis support under the rural development framework, co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) at a maximum rate of 65%. This mechanism can tap into unused funds that might otherwise go to waste, and member states may also add national funding of up to 200%.

To ensure rapid implementation and minimize administrative burdens, the support can be disbursed as a fixed amount per hectare and delivered through the CAP Strategic Plans.

The second measure allows member states to make advance direct payments to farmers before October 16, while increasing the advance payment rates to facilitate "cash flow adjustments."

The third measure enables member states to adjust the allocation of direct payments for the 2027 calendar year, thereby gaining greater flexibility to address the impact of high fertilizer prices.

In its communication, the European Commission said it will continue to implement plans to reduce risks for farmers in future crises, using these actions to strengthen the EU's food security, strategic autonomy, and competitiveness. These new measures complement the €540 million special financial support package announced in the Fertilizer Action Plan adopted on July 27.