Press Release: State aid: Commission temporarily authorises Lithuania to grant limited amounts of aid of up to €15,000 to farmers

The European Commission authorised on 3 February 2010 under the State aid rules a Lithuanian scheme worth LTL 10 million (approximately €2.9 million) aimed at supporting farmers who encounter difficulties as a result of the current economic crisis. Data provided by Lithuanian authorities showed the effect of the crisis on Lithuania's real economy and the decrease in producer prices for agricultural products. Aid under this new scheme can be granted until 31 December 2010 and will take the form of direct grants. The Lithuanian scheme was adopted following the amendment to the European Commission's Temporary Framework for state aid measures to support access to finance in the current financial and economic crisis. This amendment introduced the possibility of granting limited amounts of aid to primary agricultural producers.