Livestock farmers get new financial support

The Occitanie Region in France is introducing the Pass Fonds d'avance cheptel, a new financial tool to assist livestock farmers in adapting to climate change and improving access to funding. This initiative builds on the existing Fonds d'avance cheptel managed by the GIE Elevage Occitanie, which has previously supported farmers in financing breeding stock.

Zero-interest advance for farmers

The Pass Fonds d'avance cheptel offers a zero-interest repayable advance that covers 25 percent of the total loan amount granted to a farmer. This support is available to livestock farmers across all departments in Occitanie, with specific guidelines tailored to the type of project, such as starting a new farm, expanding an existing business, or recovering from a health crisis.

Region seeks European support

The Occitanie Region is asking for help from the European Union, with its president, Carole Delga, writing to the European commissioner for Agriculture and Food. The request is for an exceptional liquidity measure fully funded by European FEADER credits, aimed at addressing financial challenges caused by drought and other climate-related issues.

Past support totaled 17 million euros

In 2024, a similar program helped farmers affected by climate and health crises, providing 17 million euros in support. Delga emphasized the need for such measures to continue, especially as the region faces ongoing challenges related to climate change and its impact on agriculture.

Budget cuts threaten future aid

Carole Delga has raised concerns about the French government’s 2027 budget proposal, which would reduce funding for FEADER counterparts by 100 million euros nationwide, including 15.6 million euros for Occitanie. She warned that this could jeopardize 45 million euros in aid meant to help farms adapt and modernize.