Potato producers will receive state aid for pest control in 2019

The Management Board of the Agriculture Fund (AF) approved a financial resource of BGN 1.6 million for 2019 under the State Aid Scheme "Aid to compensate costs incurred by farmers related to the implementation of measures under the 'National Program of Measures for the Control of Soil Pests in Potatoes from the family Wireworms (Elateridae)'". The aid compensates part of the farmers' costs for purchasing plant protection products to control the soil pest.

Potato producers can apply for support from March 11 to May 15, 2019. Applications under the scheme will be accepted at the regional directorates of the AF. By May 31, farmers must submit reporting documents for the performed activities in treating potato plantations. The final deadline for subsidy payments is June 21, 2019.

Small and medium-sized enterprises – farmers who grow potatoes on areas larger than 1 decare (0.1 ha) – can benefit from the support. The scheme will compensate the incurred costs only for those products that are authorized in the Republic of Bulgaria for chemical control of soil pests in potatoes from the family Wireworms (Elateridae). Potato producers choose the plant protection product themselves. Up to 100% of its value will be supported, but not more than the amount of state support per hectare for products and not more than BGN 500/ha, including VAT.

It is important for applicants under the scheme to know that costs for plant protection products incurred after submitting the application to the AF, before the pest control activity has begun, are eligible for support.

Additional information about the scheme can be found on the website of the Agriculture Fund, in the "State Aid" section.

Source: Agriculture Fund - RA