France/The Hauts-de-France region is releasing 235,000 euros to help farmers affected by bluetongue.

At its meeting on Thursday October 3, the regional assembly voted 235,000 euros in aid to support farmers whose herds have been affected by bluetongue.

Since this summer, bluetongue has been affecting numerous sheep, cattle and goat farms in the Hauts-de-France and Aisne regions. While a vaccination campaign has been deployed by the State, at the session held on Thursday October 3, the Region wished to position itself alongside farmers by creating two initial financial aids, before the national compensation measures are known.

"Faced with this situation, the Hauts-de-France Region is taking action to limit the consequences of this epizootic and is setting up two support schemes for breeders. The deliberation voted in plenary session adopts the assumption of financial costs linked to the reorganization of breeders' outstanding loans, as well as that of fertility tests carried out by breeders. As a result, the Region will cover 50% of the costs associated with the restructuring of loans granted from August 1, 2024 onwards. A total of €135,000 will be allocated to cover half the interest rates on current loans. Breeders will be eligible for assistance of up to €5,000, and those who have been in business for less than 5 years, up to €7,000. For fertility tests carried out on or after August 1, 2024 in connection with FCO, 70% of the cost of testing rams and bulls will be covered. The Region will devote a budget of €100,000 to this scheme. To qualify for this aid, farmers must declare that they are affected by FCO to their veterinarian. All applications must be submitted via the Region's website or to the Department of Agriculture and Sustainable Development, by October 15, 2025 at the latest."

Source: www.lunion.fr/id646686