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

Farmers, especially active farmers most affected by higher fertiliser prices, are the main beneficiaries. It also affects Member States administering CAP payments and rural development support.

• Creates temporary crisis support for fertiliser cost increases through CAP strategic plans.
• Caps support at 50% of additional fertiliser costs, with higher rates for some farmers.
• Allows up to 65% EAFRD co-financing and limited extra national top-up funding.
• Lets Member States raise 2026 direct-payment advances to 75% and pay them earlier.

Takes effect

It enters into force on the day after publication in the Official Journal.

Transitional law

Support may cover costs from 1 March 2026, advances paid before 16 October 2026 are booked as November expenditure, and 2027 direct-payment allocation changes must be decided by 31 August 2026.

• Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 (32021R2115)
  • art. 69: adds support to farmers affected by severe fertiliser price increases
  • art. Title III, Chapter IV, Section 1: inserts new Article 78b for exceptional temporary support
  • art. 80(1): extends financial instruments to Article 78b interventions
  • art. 80(3): extends eligible working capital to Article 78b interventions
  • art. 80(4): extends standalone working capital derogation to Article 78b
  • art. 86(3): allows eligibility before amendment request for Article 78b
  • art. 87(2): updates delegated-act power for direct payment allocation changes
  • art. 91(3)(a): sets 65% EAFRD rate for Article 78b support
  • art. 96a: replaces financial ceilings for crisis payments and Article 78b support
  • art. 103a: allows direct payment allocation changes for calendar year 2027
  • art. 111: excludes Article 78b from indicator contribution obligations
  • art. 112(2)(b): includes Article 103a allocation changes in financial plans
  • art. 119(2)(c): adds Article 103a amendments to strategic amendment rules
  • art. 119(7): exempts Article 78b and 103a amendment requests from yearly limits
  • art. 121(b): adjusts delegated-act timing for Article 103a amendments
  • art. 146: allows additional national financing up to 200% for Article 78b
  • art. Annex I: adds a new output indicator
  • art. Annex XV: updates title and financial limits for crisis and Article 78b support
  • art. Annex XVI: adds Member State maximum increase and decrease amounts
• Regulation (EU) 2021/2116 (32021R2116)
  • art. 21(2): treats pre-16 October 2026 advance expenditure as November
  • art. 35: replaces the agricultural financial year definition
  • art. 44(2)(a): raises 2026 advance rate to 75% and allows payment before 16 October