State aid: Commission approves €1.2 billion Italian scheme to support companies active in agriculture, forestry, fishery, aquaculture and related sectors affected by coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission has approved a €1.2 billion Italian scheme to support companies active in agriculture, forestry, fishery, aquaculture and other related sectors affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The support will take the form of direct grants, repayable advances, tax and payment advantages, reduction or cancellation of the payment of social security and welfare contributions, debt write-off and other payment facilities. The scheme will be accessible to companies of all sizes active in agriculture, forestry, fishery, aquaculture and other related sectors such as agro tourism, food production and marketing, catering, and didactic farms. The measure is expected to benefit over 1,000 enterprises. The purpose of the scheme is to address the liquidity needs of these companies and to help them continue their activities during and after the outbreak. The Commission found that the Italian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid will not exceed € 100,000 per company active in the primary agricultural sector, €120,000 per company active in the fishery and aquaculture sector, and €800,000 per company active in all other eligible sectors. With the exception of micro and small companies, undertakings that were already in difficulty on 31 December 2019 are not eligible for aid under the scheme. The Commission concluded that the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the measures under EU State aid rules. More information on the Temporary Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.57947 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
