Fertilizer aid program extended

The French government has extended a fertilizer assistance program until the end of the year, after initial low uptake and adjustments to the scheme. The program was launched in July to help farmers deal with rising fertilizer costs, which were linked to the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for oil.

Program details and funding

The program provides 145 million euros in support, including 107 million euros from European funds. It has received 7,248 applications, with an estimated 17.1 million euros in assistance expected to be distributed. Farmers can now submit purchase orders or unpaid invoices to reserve their place in the processing queue, as long as they provide paid invoices within the scheduled timeframe.

Increased demand expected

The government anticipates a rise in demand for the program due to the payment of PAC (Common Agricultural Policy) aids on October 16. Minister of Agriculture Annie Genevard has urged farmers to apply, warning that paid invoices must be submitted before the start of 2027 to avoid having to return European funds to Brussels.

Extension requested by corn producers

AGPM, the main association of corn producers, requested an extension of the program, noting that corn growers purchased fertilizers earlier in the year for spring sowing. This means they may not have had the opportunity to benefit from the initial program timeline.

Accelerated payments in agricultural fund

The "agricultural rearmament fund" has seen a marked acceleration in cases and payments, with over 3,100 requests sent to the agricultural social security (MSA). Nearly 74 million euros have been paid to 184,000 farmers under the non-road diesel aid between April and August, out of a total of about 250 million euros allocated.

Decree to reopen program for latecomers

The government stated that a decree allowing the reopening of the channel for latecomers is about to be signed. This will provide additional opportunities for farmers who missed the initial application window to access the support.