Extension of the deadline for direct subsidies application in agriculture sector

Extended Deadline for Agricultural Bonuses Application

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a support plan for businesses involved in agriculture and livestock sectors.
It includes various types of interventions, with direct payments being the most significant.
Additionally, basic entitlements and coupled payments are available to farmers, the amounts of which vary based on the type of cultivation.

One notable feature of the aid provided in the 2023-2027 CAP is the opportunity to submit an annual single application to access various benefits, making the aids potentially substantial.
While applications are typically due by May 15 of each year, a deadline extension has been implemented for 2024.
Now, applications can be submitted until July 1, 2024, allowing a few more days for interested parties to apply.

How to Apply for Agricultural Bonuses under the PAC?

The 2024 application deadline for the single application has been postponed to July 1, 2024, according to Article 1 of the decree issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry.
It is important to note that under Legislative Decree 42 of March 17, 2023, applicants can apply for CAP benefits up to 25 days after the initial deadline.

Late submissions incur penalties, with a 1% reduction per day beyond the deadline for aid or payment applications and a 3% reduction per day for rights assignment or value increase requests up to the 25th day.

This means that applicants missing the July 1 deadline have an additional 25 days to submit their applications but will receive reduced benefits.
The main agricultural bonuses available include those for sheep and goat breeding, pig farming, olive groves, beekeeping support, and young agricultural entrepreneurs.

Application Process and Required Data

To streamline the application process, businesses can submit a single application encompassing all eligible aids.
A precompiled geospatial application form is available from the paying agency, Agea (Agency for Agricultural Payments).

Applicants must submit their applications to the paying agency within the specified deadlines.
They can do so at Agea’s territorial offices, through Agricultural Assistance Centers (CAA), or at offices provided by the Regions.
The precompiled forms contain information on eligible agricultural and non-agricultural parcels, declared areas, relevant conditions, monitoring data, and other necessary details.

By offering a simplified application process and a wider timeframe for submissions, the agricultural bonuses aim to support and incentivize agricultural activities in the region.