Following a vote by Member States, the European Commission will provide €46,7 million to Italy to help compensate farmers in areas affected by outbreaks of avian flu. Financed by the agricultural reserve, the payments will be made to farmers by 30 September 2024.
Between 1 January 2022 and 30 April 2022, 23 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza were confirmed in Italy. Protection and surveillance zones were established. This led to a loss of production of hatching eggs, table eggs and live animals in the farms located in those areas under movement restrictions, as well as losses due to destroyed and downgraded eggs and meat.
Following a formal request by Italy, the Commission decided, after thorough analysis, to cover with EU funds 50% of the expenditure borne by Italy to support concerned farmers seriously affected in areas under movement restrictions due to outbreaks of avian flu. A total of €46,670,790 from the agricultural reserve will be provided. This amount was established on the basis of set compensation amount per animal and egg.