CAP aid to livestock farmers in Spain affected by the fires in October

14.11.2017

Question for written answer E-007019-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
José Blanco López (S&D)

In October, we saw a series of fires with dramatic consequences in different parts of Spain, which in Galicia even resulted in the death of three people.

As a further consequence of the fires, many farmers are now left unable to use their burnt pastures for at least two years in view of legal restrictions in force, for example in Galicia. In view of these circumstances, livestock farmers are having difficulties feeding their animals and are also facing the possibility of not being able obtain CAP aid at a time of economic suffocation.

1. Is the Commission aware that the fires in Galicia — a region recently classified as having been seriously affected by a civil protection emergency — affected numerous farmers benefiting from the CAP?

2. Is the Commission aware of the exceptional situation of the farmers concerned and of the extremely serious effects which would ensue as a result of not having access to such aid?

3. Are there any special measures at the Commission’s disposal for situations such as these to ensure that livestock farmers can to continue to have access to European support measures and thus avoid having to close down their farms for lack of funds?