Farmers could receive a maximum aid payment of €25,000 from December after a change to European Commission rules.

De minimis aid can be drawn down by member states without prior notification from the European Commission in times of crisis. Currently, de minimis aid is awarded at a maximum rate of €15,000/farmer, spread out over a three-year period.

Farmers in Ireland will be familiar with the scheme, as it was used to fund the Fodder Transport Support Measure.

The increase in aid can be applied retroactively, however when asked, the Department of Agriculture did not confirm if it will apply the increased rate.

“Discussions on the Commission’s proposals as part of its review of the agriculture de minimis regulations are ongoing and a final decision is awaited,” a Department spokesperson said.