French government finalizes drought relief plan

The French government is finalizing an emergency plan to help farmers affected by the recent heatwave and drought. The plan, announced on September 4 and detailed on October 8 by the Minister of Agriculture at the Livestock Summit, includes financial support, simplified procedures, and faster aid payments to ease the financial burden on agricultural operations.

Emergency aid already distributed

In Haute-Loire, 210,000 euros in emergency aid has already been paid out under the CASI plan and the national emergency fund of 235 million euros. A flat-rate aid of 1,500 euros per eligible farm can support 670 farms, with 140 applications processed by October 14 and 390 still under review. Young livestock farmers are being prioritized in the aid distribution.

New financial support for cash flow loans

The government plans to cover up to 2.5 percentage points of interest on cash flow loans related to drought. These loans can reach 50,000 euros over two years, with a maximum aid of 2,500 euros per farm. Farmers established for less than five years will also receive specific support if they defer capital repayment deadlines, including coverage of interest and restructuring costs.

Extended assistance for non-road diesel and fertilizers

The assistance window for non-road diesel (GNR) will reopen for two months, covering consumption in April, May, and June 2026. The program is extended until the end of the year. A similar extension applies to the exceptional window for purchasing simple nitrogen fertilizers, which will now accept a purchase order or unpaid invoice for initial applications, though a paid invoice is still required for payment.

Tax reductions for affected land

Losses from harvests due to extreme weather will qualify for property tax reductions on unbuilt land. In Haute-Loire, the planned tax reduction rate reaches 50% on affected land. If a landlord receives the reduction, they must pass it on to tenants, a requirement that will be closely monitored to ensure compliance.

Assessing pasture damage and improving insurance claims

The evaluation of losses on pastures remains a key concern for livestock farmers. A departmental expertise commission will meet on October 27 and again at the end of November to compare satellite data with field observations and address discrepancies reported by farmers. A new map of the pasture index, incorporating data from late September, will also be published. Insurers are being asked to better inform farmers about their appeal options and to expedite claim processing. The prefect of Haute-Loire, Yvan Cordier, is responsible for ensuring the swift implementation of these measures in the region.