The Minister of Agriculture and Food announced this Friday that 180 million euros in aid under the agreement to lower and stabilize food prices “should start flowing to farmers in the coming days.”
During the Nestlé Portugal 100th Anniversary Ceremony held this Friday in Estarreja, Aveiro District, Maria do Seu Antunes announced that emergency aid would start flowing to farmers as part of the pact in the coming days. stabilization and lower prices for consumers.
“We can close this support package in the coming weeks, and with that we can feed the entire chain and even help improve the lives of our citizens,” he said.
In a conversation with Lusa at the end of the meeting, the minister explained that this €180 million emergency assistance to farmers worldwide is part of a pact signed on 27 March between the government and the Portuguese Farmers’ Confederation. and the Portuguese Association of Distribution Companies.
Despite the fact that the funds come exclusively from the state budget, Maria do Seu Antunes observed that it was necessary to seek the approval of the European Commission in order “not to cause difficulties from the point of view of the internal market.”
“At present, we have already completed the process in record time, so that in the coming days, weeks, farmers will receive these values,” he added.
About three weeks ago, during a meeting of the Price Stabilization Pact Supervisory Committee, the Portuguese Confederation of Farmers (CAP) asked the government to expedite work on paying support to farmers as soon as it gets the green light. European Commission.
“I think the government should work to speed up the payment machine when it gets permission from Brussels. It is not after Brussels says yes, it will start this work. We paid attention to it,” he said. Luis Mira said at the time, addressing Lusa.
In order to contain the impact of inflation on the portfolio of the Portuguese, the government has taken a number of measures, such as applying a zero VAT rate to the basket of basic foodstuffs.
Items with 0% VAT include canned tuna, cod, bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, onions, broccoli, chicken, pork or olive oil.
The zero VAT measure came into force on April 18 and will last until the end of October.
The Pact Monitoring Commission is due to meet again at the end of May.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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