Paris – 28.05.2026: The European Commission approved the aid measures put in place by the French government in favor of farmers due to the sharp rise in non-road diesel prices. This program aims to reduce the economic burdens on agricultural holdings following the energy crisis. Under this measure, 70% of the additional costs related to April 2026 will be reimbursed.
The increase in fuel prices particularly affects agriculture, as many agricultural machines and vehicles run on diesel. From tractors to harvesting machines and plowing equipment, the production process is highly dependent on energy supply. The French authorities therefore proposed providing financial support to farmers in order to preserve their competitiveness and production capacity during this difficult period.
According to the Commission’s decision, these aids comply with EU state aid rules because they specifically aim to compensate the additional costs caused by the energy crisis. This measure is limited to April 2026 and is intended as a temporary relief to prevent severe financial strains in the agricultural sector.
French agriculture has been facing a strong rise in production costs for several months, with non-road diesel prices having increased particularly. This leads to considerable additional operational expenses which, without support, could jeopardize the incomes and future viability of many farms.
The Commission’s approval allows France to quickly implement these payments so that farmers receive financial relief and can continue their activities despite difficult conditions. This measure is part of a broader set of public aids regularly introduced in recent years to stabilize the agricultural economy, notably in times of energy crisis or market disruptions.
Experts view this decision as a sign of the European Union’s willingness to support Member States in targeted interventions in the energy and agricultural sectors. The Commission specifies, however, that these aids must be strictly time-limited and targeted in order to avoid any distortion of competition in the internal market.
The current support follows similar measures implemented by France under EU rules in the past, aimed at easing the burden on farmers in times of crisis and thus ensuring the population’s supply security. Public aid reflects the particular importance of agriculture for the national economy and food security.
Overall, the European Commission’s approval represents an important step to ensure the economic stability of French agriculture in the face of high energy prices and the challenges they pose, in order to maintain farm performance in the future.
Sources
- Franceinfo
- European Commission