Farmers receive early PAC aid payments

Farmers in Saône-et-Loire will receive early payments of their aid from the Common Agricultural Policy (PAC) for the 2026 campaign on October 16, 19, and 20. These payments total 108.24 million euros and cover 99.36% of the applicants in the region.

Advance rate increases for most aid types

The advance rate for the first pillar of PAC aid has increased from 70% to 75%. This applies to both decoupled aids—such as basic payment rights, redistributive payment, eco-scheme, and additional aid for young farmers—and coupled aids for cattle, sheep, and goats.

Natural Handicap Compensation Allowance remains at 85%

The Natural Handicap Compensation Allowance (ICHN), which supports farmers with specific challenges, continues to be advanced at the higher rate of 85%. This rate is unchanged from previous years.

Increase allowed by European regulations

The State has chosen to apply the maximum advance rate permitted by European regulations. This increase was authorized by the European Commission on July 31, aiming to ease the financial strain on member states caused by the rising cost of nitrogen fertilizers.

CASI plan aims to address agricultural challenges

The increase in the advance rate is part of the CASI plan (Climate, adaptation, drought, fires), announced by Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard on September 4. The plan, funded with over one billion euros, was introduced after the exceptional drought of the summer.

Faster payments without increasing total aid

The increase from 70% to 75% allows for the faster distribution of 420 million euros to farm accounts. However, this change does not alter the total amount of European aid available to farmers.

CASI includes other financial support measures

The CASI plan includes additional components such as 400 million euros for the National Solidarity Indemnity, 235 million in Agriculture Ministry credits, and about 330 million in property tax exemptions. It also supports the sustainability of regional drought response teams.

Advance rates adjusted for 2026

For the 2026 campaign, the usual advance rates of 70% and 85% have been increased to 75% and 85%, respectively. This applies to 75% of decoupled and coupled aids and 85% of the ICHN allowance.

Payment dates align with European regulations

The first payment date of October 16 is set by European regulations, ensuring farmers can receive their advances from the earliest possible day. This timing helps farmers manage their finances more effectively.

High beneficiary rate due to relaxed controls

The very high rate of beneficiaries—99.36%—is partly due to a relaxation of rules from last year. This change allowed farmers whose on-site controls were incomplete to still receive advance payments for certain aids, increasing the beneficiary rate from 92.5% in 2024 to 97.5% in 2025.