Council adopts targeted measures to support farmers facing high fertiliser costs
The Council has today formally adopted a regulation introducing targeted measures to help European farmers address the sharp increase in fertiliser and other input costs triggered by the recent crisis in the Middle East.
The measures will provide member states with the necessary tools to swiftly support farmers facing rising production costs and liquidity pressures. This will strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector and safeguard food security across the European Union.
The Council’s swift adoption of the regulation highlights the EU’s and member states’ determination to respond rapidly to evolving geopolitical challenges, support European farmers, strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector, and protect food security across the EU.
Recent disruptions to global supply chains and soaring fertiliser prices have placed significant pressure on our agricultural sector. Today’s decision demonstrates that the European Union is determined to respond swiftly and decisively to support European farmers and our food security.
Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland
Main elements
The regulation will allow member states to provide urgent and targeted financial support to farmers most affected by increased fertiliser and other input costs by amending the CAP strategic plans regulation and the horizontal regulation.
The adopted measures include:
- a new liquidity scheme under rural development for crisis support
- the option for member states to pay direct payments to farmers earlier, helping farmers manage their short-term cash-flow needs
- the possibility for member states to adjust their direct payment allocations for 2027, to reflect national needs and priorities
The new liquidity scheme can be co-financed by up to 65% from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and it can include unused funds that may otherwise be lost. Member states will be able to add national financing of up to 200%. To ensure rapid delivery and reduce the administrative burden, the support can be paid as a fixed amount per hectare and implemented through the CAP strategic plans.
At the same time, the regulation strengthens incentives for more efficient farming practices that reduce and optimise fertiliser use and constitute a shift to bio-based fertilisers. The aim is to contribute to both economic resilience and environmental sustainability.
Next steps
Today’s adoption marks the final step of the legislative process. After it is published in the Official Journal, the regulation will enter into force the following day.
Background
The proposal was presented by the European Commission on 12 June 2026 as part of a broader package of measures responding to the impact of the Middle East crisis on agricultural markets, following the political guidance to this effect provided by agriculture ministers.
The broader package includes boosting the agricultural reserve with an additional €300 million from the EU budget for 2026. In addition, the package includes other measures to strengthen Europe’s domestic fertiliser production, improve supply resilience and accelerate the uptake of bio-based, low-carbon and circular fertilisers.
