Brussels authorizes government support for farmers in the Azores

The European Commission has approved a €3 million aid package from the Portuguese government to support Azorean farmers facing rising fuel and fertilizer costs. This assistance, aimed at primary agricultural producers, will be provided as direct grants, with a maximum of €50,000 per company. The aid is deemed necessary and proportional, ensuring it does not negatively impact competition. It falls under the Temporary State Aid Framework established in response to fuel price increases due to the Middle East crisis. The support was announced in July and approved by the Azorean government in August, targeting cost increases in fertilizers and production factors for the second quarter of 2026.