Region addresses agricultural challenges

The Occitanie region is working to support its farmers by addressing the impacts of drought and other climate and health-related risks. Carole Delga, the region's president, is pushing for concrete measures to help preserve farms and prepare for the future of agriculture in the area.

Delga emphasizes region's commitment

Carole Delga highlights the challenges faced by farmers, including drought, floods, frost, hail, storms, and animal diseases. In a letter to agricultural leaders, she stresses the need for recognition of Occitanie's agricultural identity and the importance of developing concrete solutions to help farmers manage these recurring risks.

Water management efforts expanded

To improve water management, the Region has increased funding for reservoir projects and is supporting collective water-saving initiatives. The 2026 project call envelope has been raised to 2.5 million euros, and the region is also focusing on strengthening its hydraulic network and promoting the reuse of treated wastewater.

Modernization funding increased

The Region has boosted funding for farm modernization, with the 2026 project call envelope raised to 27.3 million euros. Additional funding of 3.5 million euros has been allocated for the Pass agricultural farms program. Since 2023, over 190 million euros has been mobilized, with 80% going toward livestock farming.

New fund for agricultural sovereignty

As part of the Regional Pact for Food Sovereignty, the Region plans to create a 30 million euro Sovereign Agricultural Fund. This will support the recapitalization of livestock farming and the development of a sector contract for field crops to address long-term challenges in this area.

Pass Fonds d'avance Cheptel introduced

The Region is launching the Pass Fonds d'avance Cheptel (FAC), a new zero-interest repayable advance program. This initiative aims to provide financial support to livestock farmers, especially in areas not previously covered by existing funding mechanisms, by covering 25% of the loan amount granted to them.

Request for European support

To address liquidity issues caused by drought, Carole Delga has asked the European commissioner for agriculture to activate an exceptional liquidity measure funded entirely by FEADER European funds. A similar program in 2024 provided 17 million euros in support for farmers affected by climate and health-related risks.

Concerns over State budget cuts

Carole Delga has raised concerns about the State's 2027 budget plan, which would reduce funding for FEADER counterparts by 100 million euros, including 15.6 million euros for Occitanie. This reduction could jeopardize 45 million euros in aid intended for farm adaptation and modernization.