No EU compensation for bad weather

THERE is no EU funding available to compensate farmers for losses due to bad weather of 2009, according to Department of Agriculture sources.

Any compensation paid for adverse weather must comply with EU state aid rules. The climatic event must be defined as a natural disaster, and be formally recognised as such by public authorities. It should have destroyed more than 30% of average annual production (based on a three-year average). Aid intensity cannot be greater than 80% (or 90% in disadvantaged areas) of reduction in income from the sale of produce. With effect from 2010, in the absence of insurance, any compensation payable will be reduced by 50%.

The department has not carried out weather damage assessment, but a source said a small survey was carried out by Teagasc in August, which indicated a shortage of fodder for livestock. This survey was continuing in September, to see if the situation has improved.