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Temporary support and payment of advances regarding the increased fertiliser prices due to the Middle East crisis

TA-10-2026-0240 · P10_TA(2026)0240 · PE789.799

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Parliament's position at first reading on a proposed regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 and Regulation (EU) 2021/2116 to respond to higher fertiliser prices caused by the Middle East crisis. It creates a new EAFRD intervention letting member states give exceptional temporary support to active farmers most affected by fertiliser price rises, covering part of the additional costs from 1 March 2026. Support rates cover up to 50% of additional costs, rising to 80% for farmers committed to reducing fertiliser use, with payments to farmers by 30 June 2027 and an EAFRD contribution rate of up to 65%. Member states may adjust direct payment allocations for calendar year 2027 by 31 August 2026, and may pay advances of up to 75% for claim year 2026, including before 16 October 2026.

Key points

  1. A new intervention under Article 69(j) of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 supports farmers affected by the severe increase in fertiliser prices due to the Middle East crisis.
  2. Member states may grant exceptional temporary support to active farmers most affected, determining eligibility conditions on the basis of available evidence.
  3. Support covers part of additional fertiliser costs from 1 March 2026, calculated as the difference between a representative price and a benchmark price based on average prices over at least three consecutive months between 1 January 2025 and 28 February 2026.
  4. Support takes the form of a unit cost per hectare or, alternatively, actual costs incurred, and member states set a maximum amount or maximum number of hectares per beneficiary.
  5. Support rates cover up to 50% of additional costs, increased to a maximum of 80% for farmers subject to commitments or requirements to reduce fertiliser use.
  6. Support must be paid to the farmer by 30 June 2027, and farmers must have access to knowledge and information on optimising sustainable fertiliser use.
  7. Member states must avoid overcompensation from combining this support with other national or Union instruments, and may provide additional national financing of up to 200% of EAFRD funding.
  8. EAFRD-financed expenditure for the new intervention may be eligible from the date of entry into force of the amending Regulation, before submission of a strategic amendment request.
  9. The EAFRD contribution rate is up to 65% of eligible public expenditure, and a maximum of 25% of annual amounts in Annex XV may be reserved for this support.
  10. By 31 August 2026, member states may increase or decrease their direct payment allocations for calendar year 2027 by amounts not exceeding those in Annex XVI.
  11. For claim year 2026, member states may pay advances of up to 75% for direct payments, including before 16 October 2026; such advances count as made in November 2026.
  12. The Regulation enters into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal.

Who is affected

  • Active farmers affected by high fertiliser prices, who may receive support covering part of additional costs.
  • Member states, which may grant support, set eligibility conditions and support rates, and adjust direct payment allocations for 2027.
  • Farmers with commitments or requirements to reduce fertiliser use, who may receive higher support rates of up to 80%.

Figures and deadlines

  • 1 March 2026: reference date for additional fertiliser costs.
  • At least three consecutive months between 1 January 2025 and 28 February 2026: period for benchmark price.
  • Up to 50% of additional costs: standard support rate.
  • Maximum 80%: increased support rate for farmers reducing fertiliser use.
  • 30 June 2027: deadline for payment to farmers.
  • Up to 65%: EAFRD contribution rate of eligible public expenditure.
  • Maximum 25%: share of annual amounts in Annex XV that may be reserved for the support.
  • 31 August 2026: deadline for member states to decide on direct payment allocation adjustments for 2027.

Legal basis: Article 43(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.