the government announces the strengthening of the organic emergency fund, increased from 50 to 90 million euros

Minister Marc Fesneau announced Wednesday February 28 at the Agricultural Show that the new emergency fund intended to help organic farmers in difficulty would be strengthened. It must increase from 50 to 90 million euros in allocation. This plan was initially launched at the end of January by Gabriel Attal, who had wanted “donate 50 million euros for the organic sector” hit hard by the fall in demand in recent years.

The government’s plan, which must still be approved by the European Commission, is in addition to the 104 million euros in aid paid in 2023 to operators in this sector which has been suffering for two years from sluggish consumption, in a context high inflation. Since the start of the agricultural crisis, sectoral aid has also been paid to breeders (150 million euros in tax and social support) or wine growers (an emergency fund quadrupled to reach 80 million euros).

First payments expected at the end of June

Farmers will be able to submit a request as soon as the European green light is given, in March or April, the Ministry of Agriculture hopes, for payment by the end of June. Eligible are farms which have at least 85% of their turnover derived from organic and which have experienced a drop in their gross operating surplus or turnover of at least 20%.

The government also presented on Wednesday a plan entitled “Organic Ambition 2027” around three axes: stimulating demand, consolidating the sector and supporting farmers in the face of social and environmental issues. In particular, he wants to push canteens and health establishments to meet the Egalim law obligations of 20% organic supply and encourage restaurants to add it to their menu.