Compensation for arable and livestock farmers in Evros for flood losses

12.3.2015

Question for written answer E-004121-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Notis Marias (ECR)

Extreme weather conditions and floods have severely damaged arable and livestock production in Evros. According to a memorandum filed with the Greek Ministry of Productive Reconstruction, Environment and Energy, 220 000 decares are currently under water and this has delayed the start of sugar beet, cotton and corn planting, which normally begins in April. It has also made it impossible to harvest 50% of the asparagus crop.

Rural roads have also been damaged. According to the above memorandum, repairs will cost an estimated EUR 200 000 in Orestiada, EUR 150 000 in Didimoteicho and EUR 150 000 in Soufli.

Livestock farming has also been hard hit. Approximately 5 000 sheep have been stranded outside their farm and are in desperate need of fodder, which will cost EUR 60 000, and 40 273 goats and sheep have been killed by the bluetongue virus in the Regional District of Evros as a whole.

In view of the above, will the Commission say:

What measures does it intend to approve to compensate livestock farmers in Evros for the damage caused to their production by the catastrophic floods at to what timetable?