Thousands of Spanish farmers left out of fertilizer support scheme

Only 249,376 of the 424,593 farmers initially identified as possible recipients of Spain’s fertilizer support will receive payments. More than 40% were ultimately excluded, AVA-ASAJA reported.

The aid was introduced following higher fertilizer costs linked to the Middle East crisis. To receive it, eligible farmers had to complete a digital procedure accepting the payment.

AVA-ASAJA says this requirement created an unnecessary barrier. The association had asked the Ministry of Agriculture to make the payments automatic, as had been done with some previous agricultural support programs.

It also requested an extension of the application deadline from July 27 to September 30. The organization pointed to the short summer application period, technical problems with the government platform, overlapping aid procedures and difficulties some older farmers have with digital applications.

Fertilizer costs have risen by an average of 33% since the start of the war in Iran, according to figures cited by the association, while some nitrogen fertilizers have doubled in price.

AVA-ASAJA expects the share of excluded applicants to be even higher in the Valencian Community because of its older farming population and the large number of small farms.

source and photo: avaasaja.org