Commission approves the renewal of an Italian scheme to support companies active in agriculture, forestry, fishery, aquaculture and related sectors, including €500 million budget increase, in the context of the coronavirus pandemic

The European Commission has found the renewal of an Italian scheme to support companies active in agriculture, forestry, fishery, aquaculture and other related sectors, including €500 million budget increase, to be in line with the state aid Temporary Framework. The Commission approved the original scheme on 15 July 2020 (SA.57947). Under the scheme, the aid takes the form of direct grants, repayable advances, tax and payment advantages, reduction or cancellation of the payment of social security and welfare contributions, debt write-off and other payment facilities.

Public support will also continue to be granted in the form of support for uncovered fixed costs. The purpose of the scheme is to address the liquidity needs of these companies and to help them continue their activities during and after the outbreak. The Commission found that the renewal of the Italian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework as amended on 18 November 2021. In particular, when it comes to support in the form of limited amounts of aid, the support will not exceed €290,000 per company active in the primary production of agriculture products, €345,000 per company active in the fishery and aquaculture sector, and €2.3 million per company active in other sectors. When it comes to support for uncovered fixed costs, the aid will not exceed €12 million per beneficiary.

Under both measures, the aid will be granted no later than 30 June 2022.Therefore, the Commission concluded that the scheme continues to be necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a member state, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the measures under EU state aid rules. More information on the Temporary Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.101474 in the state aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.

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