So far, only the approximately 120 livestock farms in Brandenburg located in the restricted and controlled zones have been eligible for financial aid. The application to Brussels now also includes dairy farms in the FMD area and all pig farmers in the state of Brandenburg.
If approved, the European Union could cover 60% of the damage. The damage in Brandenburg is estimated at at least 8 million euros, but across the rest of Germany — due to partially stalled supply chains — it will be much higher. Earlier, the government spoke of ‘possible damages exceeding 100 million euros.’
Farmers' organizations support the request and emphasize the need for swift assistance. They stress that the outbreak affects not only the affected farms but the entire food chain, including slaughterhouses and meat exports. Without financial support, many farmers face serious difficulties.
The German government has previously implemented emergency measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Livestock farms in the affected regions were temporarily closed and transport restrictions imposed. Despite these efforts, significant economic losses have been incurred, especially due to compulsory culling of animals and export restrictions.
According to the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), pig and cattle farmers have been particularly hard hit. Compensation should help them mitigate the financial impact of the crisis and stabilize the sector.
In earlier cases, the EU has provided financial support during animal disease outbreaks, such as African swine fever. This increases the likelihood that Germany will be granted compensation. The Commission will evaluate the request based on the severity of the situation and the economic impact on the sector.
The European Commission is expected to decide on Germany’s request within a few weeks. Meanwhile, national measures remain in effect and farmers are urged to take additional precautions. The German government hopes for a quick approval so that the sector can withstand and recover from the crisis.
Although the German government is optimistic about the outcome, uncertainty remains over the level and form of compensation. The final decision depends on the European Commission’s evaluation and the available funds within the agricultural budget. On this point, Agriculture Commissioner Christoph Hansen expressed pessimism last week at the monthly Agriculture Council meeting.