Subsidies and Countervailing Measures |
G/SCM/N/253/EU |
European Union |
2013 |
Sustainable forestry management |
Grants and direct payments |
Forestry |
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Environment related objective
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To support the forestry sector.
· Vocational training and information actions, including diffusion of scientific knowledge and innovative practices, for persons engaged in the agricultural, food and forestry sectors. Support does not include courses of instruction or training which form part of normal programmes or systems of agricultural and forestry education at secondary or higher levels.
· Setting up of young farmers. Support is granted to persons who are less than 40 years of age and are setting up for the first time on an agricultural holding as head of the holding. They must possess adequate occupational skills and competence and submit a business plan for the development of their farming activities. The support shall be granted up to the maximum amount laid down in the Annex.
· Early retirement of farmers and farm workers. Support is granted to farmers who decide to stop their agricultural activity for the purpose of transferring the holdings to other farmers and to farm workers who decide to stop all farm work definitively upon the transfer of the holding. The transferor shall not be less than 55 years old but not yet of normal retirement age at the time of transfer or not more than 10 years younger than the normal retirement age. He or she must stop all commercial farming activity definitively and have practiced farming for the 10 years preceding transfer. The total duration of early retirement support shall not exceed 15 years for the transferor and for the farm worker. It shall not go beyond the 70th birthday of the transferor and the normal retirement age of the farm worker. The support shall be granted up to the maximum amount.
· Use of advisory services by farmers and forest holders. Support is granted to help farmers and forest holders to meet costs arising from the use of advisory services for the improvement of the overall performance of their holding. As a minimum the advisory service to farmers shall cover the statutory management requirements and the good agricultural and environmental conditions provided for in Articles 5 and 6 of and in Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) 73/2009 and the occupational safety standards based on EU legislation.
· Setting up of farm management, farm relief and farm advisory services, as well as of forestry advisory services. Support for the use of advisory services shall be limited to 80% of the cost or a maximum of 1500 €. Support for setting up of management, relief and advisory services is granted in order to cover costs arising from the setting up of farm management, farm relief and farm advisory services as well as forestry advisory services and shall be digressive over a maximum period of five years from setting up.
· Modernisation of agricultural holdings. Support for modernisation of agricultural holdings is granted for tangible and/or intangible investments which improve the overall performance of the agricultural holding and respect the EU standards applicable to the investment concerned. Where investments are made in order to comply with EU standards, support may be granted only to those which are made in order to comply with newly introduced EU standards. In that case, a period of grace, not exceeding 36 months from the date on which the standard becomes mandatory for the agricultural holding, may be provided to meet that standard. In the case of young farmers receiving setting up support, the modernization support may be granted for investments to comply with existing EU standards, when identified in a business plan. The period of grace within which the standard needs to be met, may not exceed 36 months from the date of setting up. Support is limited to 40-75% depending on the area where the farm is located.
· Adding value to agricultural and forestry products. Support is granted for tangible and/or intangible investments which improve the overall performance of the enterprise and which concern the processing and/or marketing of products covered by Annex I to the Treaty, except fishery products, and of forestry products and/or the development of new products, processes and technologies linked to products covered by Annex I to the Treaty, except fishery products, and to forestry products and which respect the EU standards applicable to the investment concerned. Support is limited to the maximum rate of 40-75% depending on the area where the farm is located.
· Cooperation for development of new products, processes and technologies in the agriculture and food sector and in the forestry sector. Support is granted to promote the cooperation between primary producers in agriculture and forestry, the processing industry and/or third parties. It shall contribute to cover costs incurred for the cooperation.
· Improving and developing infrastructure related to the development and adaptation of agriculture and forestry Support may cover notably operations related to access to farm and forest land, land consolidation and improvement, energy supply and water management.
· Helping farmers to adapt to demanding standards based on EU legislation. Support contributes partly to costs incurred and income foregone caused to farmers who have to apply standards in the fields of the environmental protection, public health, animal and plant health, animal welfare and occupational safety. These standards must be newly introduced in national legislation implementing EU law and impose new obligations or restrictions to farming practice which have a significant impact on typical farm operating costs and concern a significant number of farmers. The support is granted as a flat-rate, temporary and digressive aid on an annual basis, for a maximum duration of five years from the date the standard becomes mandatory in accordance with EU legislation. Support shall be limited to a maximum of 10,000 € per holding
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Measure description
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Coverage of the measure
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Council Regulations 1698/2005 of 20 September 2005 (OJ L277 of 21.10.2005) as amended by Regulation 74/2009 of 19 January 2009 (OJ L30 of 31.1.2009)
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Farming and forestry
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Type of measure
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Grant
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ICS - HS Code
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Subsidy amount
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Implementation period
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2007-2013
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Keywords
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Subsidies and Countervailing Measures |
G/SCM/N/253/EU |
European Union |
2013 |
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Grants and direct payments |
Forestry |
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Environment related objective
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Protect the environment.
Agri- environment payments are granted to farmers who make on a voluntary basis agri- environmental commitments. Where duly justified to achieve environmental objectives, agri- environment payments may be granted to other land managers. Agri- environment payments cover only those commitments going beyond the relevant mandatory standards established pursuant to Articles 5 and 6 of and in Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) 73/2009 as well as minimum requirements for fertiliser and plant protection product use and other relevant mandatory requirements established by national legislation and identified in the programme. The commitments are undertaken as a general rule for a period between five and seven years. The payments are granted annually and cover additional costs and income foregone resulting from the commitments made. Where necessary, they may cover also transaction cost. Where appropriate, the beneficiaries may be selected on the basis of calls for tender, applying criteria of economic and environmental efficiency. Support is limited to the maximum amounts between 200 € per Livestock Unit and 450-900 € per hectare. Support may be provided for the conservation of genetic resources in agriculture for operations not covered by the provisions under paragraphs 1 to 4.
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Measure description
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Coverage of the measure
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Council Regulations 1698/2005 of 20 September 2005 (OJ L277 of 21.10.2005) as amended by Regulation 74/2009 of 19 January 2009 (OJ L30 of 31.1.2009)
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Farmers
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Type of measure
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Grant
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ICS - HS Code
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Subsidy amount
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Implementation period
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2007-2013
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Keywords
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Environment
Conservation
Genetic
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Subsidies and Countervailing Measures |
G/SCM/N/253/EU/ADD.4 |
European Union: Cyprus |
2013 |
Sustainable forestry management |
Grants and direct payments |
Forestry |
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Environment related objective
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To support the forestry sector.
to support existing and newly established SMEs engaged in manufacturing and trade of agricultural and forestry products
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Measure description
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Coverage of the measure
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Grant for the creation and improvement of manufacturing and trade units of agricultural and forestry products.
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Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
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Type of measure
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Grant
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ICS - HS Code
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Subsidy amount
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Implementation period
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2011-2012
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Keywords
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Subsidies and Countervailing Measures |
G/SCM/N/253/EU/ADD.7 |
European Union: Estonia |
2013 |
General environmental protection |
Grants and direct payments |
Forestry, Agriculture |
Payment for Relief from Natural Disasters |
Environment related objective
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To protect the environment.
Through the RDP 2007-2013 following subsidies are provided:
Measure 1.6 – Adding value to agricultural and non- forestry products, the overall objective is to improve the competitiveness of agricultural and non- wood forestry sector through the improvement of the general performance of agricultural and non- wood forestry produce processing enterprises (improvement of general economic indicators, decrease in environmental load, growth of export potential, etc.), and to ensure their long-term sustainability.
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Measure description
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Coverage of the measure
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Payment for Relief from Natural Disasters
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Agricultural and non-forestry sector
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Type of measure
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Grants, loans, guarantees
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ICS - HS Code
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Subsidy amount
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Implementation period
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2011-2012
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Keywords
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Forest
Sustainable
Environment
Conservation
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Subsidies and Countervailing Measures |
G/SCM/N/253/EU/ADD.7 |
European Union: Estonia |
2013 |
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Grants and direct payments |
Forestry, Agriculture |
Payment Under Environmental Programmes |
Environment related objective
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To support the environment.
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy
Support under the RDP is provided for environmentally friendly and sustainable production methods. It is also provided for the afforestation of agricultural land that is unsuitable for agricultural production and is out of use.
6. To whom and how the subsidy is provided
The aim of the support provided by the RDP 2007-2013 (measure 2.3) is to introduce environmentally friendly production methods and increase the share of organic farming in traditional agriculture that will promote sustainability of the environment by restricting the use of fertilizers and pesticides in the handling of organic foodstuffs, and facilitates the preservation of the natural fertility of the soil, the assurance of biological diversity and the continued use of semi-natural grasslands. Support is granted annually and is calculated on the basis of income foregone and additional costs resulting from the given actions and the need to provide an incentive. Payments are based on the limitations on the use of fertilizers, plant protection products or other inputs.
The support for grazing animals (animal welfare) is provided through the RDP 2007-2013 (measure 2.4) since 2010. The objective of this measure is to improve animal welfare, to maintain and improve biological and landscape diversity and to improve the soil fertility of cultural grasslands. This support is available for farmers (natural and legal persons, civil law partnerships and other associations of persons without the status of a legal person). Support is paid with regard to cattle, sheep, goats and horses, if the stocking density is up to 0.5 LU/ha.
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Measure description
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Coverage of the measure
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Payment Under Environmental Programmes
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Agricultural sector
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Type of measure
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Grant
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ICS - HS Code
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Subsidy amount
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Implementation period
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2011-2012
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Keywords
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Environment
Organic
Sustainable
Soil
Forest
Pollution
Conservation
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Subsidies and Countervailing Measures |
G/SCM/N/253/EU/ADD.7 |
European Union: Estonia |
2013 |
Biodiversity and ecosystem |
Grants and direct payments |
Forestry, Agriculture |
Payment Under Regional Assistance Programmes |
Environment related objective
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To maintain the biological and landscape diversity.
6. To whom and how the subsidy is provided
The aim of the measure is to secure the continuous land use in less-favoured areas. According to the estimation, there are about 465 000 ha of agricultural land in Estonia that falls under the category of less-favoured areas.
Considering the need to maintain biological and landscape diversity, it is necessary to ensure areas the agricultural lands compensation for the restrictions in LFA and NATURA 2000; this compensation is given RDP 2007-2013 (measures 2.1 and 2.2).
Also, RDP 2007-2013 measure 2.7 NATURA 2000 support for private forest land is provided under regional assistance areas. The overall objective of this measure is to contribute to the sustainable use of private forest land located in NATURA 2000 areas.
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Measure description
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Coverage of the measure
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Payment Under Regional Assistance Programmes
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Agricultural sector
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Type of measure
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Grant
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ICS - HS Code
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Subsidy amount
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Implementation period
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2011-2012
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Keywords
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Subsidies and Countervailing Measures |
G/SCM/N/253/EU/ADD.8 |
European Union: Finland |
2013 |
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Grants and direct payments |
Forestry, Energy |
Aid for chipping of energy wood. |
Environment related objective
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To protect the environment.
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy
Environmental protection. By using wood for energy production we can decrease CO2 emission. If we use one solid cubic meter wood for energy it means 0.6 tons CO2 reduction in CO2 emissions assuming that wood replaces oil.
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Measure description
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Coverage of the measure
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Aid for chipping of energy wood.
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Private forest owners
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Type of measure
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Grant
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ICS - HS Code
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Subsidy amount
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Implementation period
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2011-2012
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Keywords
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Forest
Environment
Energy
Sustainable
Emissions
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Subsidies and Countervailing Measures |
G/SCM/N/253/EU/ADD.12 |
European Union: Hungary |
2013 |
Sustainable forestry management |
Grants and direct payments |
Forestry, All products/economic activities |
New Hungary Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. |
Environment related objective
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To protect the environment.
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy
The fundamental objective is the improvement of the competitiveness of Hungarian agriculture by establishing a sector that, by the diversification of production and activities, contributes to the development of domestic agriculture and the improvement of quality of life for the rural population by 2013, along with maintaining the present employment rate and producing 30% more added value.
The structure of the Programme is an axis-based framework, in which the axes represent the main rural development priorities:
1. Improving the competitiveness of agriculture, food production and forestry,
2. Improving the environment and the countryside,
3. Enhancement of quality of life throughout rural Hungary; diversification of the rural economy,
4. LEADER – Community based actions for the development of rural economy.
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Measure description
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Coverage of the measure
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New Hungary Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.
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Government agencies, NGOs, enterprises, and farmers
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Type of measure
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Non-repayable subsidy
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ICS - HS Code
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Subsidy amount
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Implementation period
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2011-2012
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Keywords
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Subsidies and Countervailing Measures |
G/SCM/N/253/EU/ADD.15 |
European Union: Latvia |
2013 |
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Grants and direct payments |
Forestry, Energy, Manufacturing |
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Environment related objective
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To protect the environment.
2. Policy objective/to whom the subsidy is provided
Aid for regional development. The notification concerns the individual ad hoc aid to SIA "Ekobriketes" for the initial investment project relating to extension of existing establishment which consists of the building for production unit of briquettes and granules. The measure aims at promoting regional development and environmental protection.
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Measure description
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Coverage of the measure
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AID TO SIA "EKOBRIKETES" – UTILIZATION OF LOCAL BIOMASS FOR PRODUCTION OF ENVIRONMENT -FRIENDLY FUEL IN KāRSAVA
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Enterprises and local authorities
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Type of measure
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Grant
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ICS - HS Code
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Subsidy amount
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Implementation period
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2011-2012
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Keywords
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Subsidies and Countervailing Measures |
G/SCM/N/253/EU/ADD.21 |
European Union: Portugal |
2013 |
Sustainable forestry management |
Grants and direct payments |
Forestry |
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Environment related objective
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To ensure forestry protection.
3. Purpose and objectives of the Programme
There are three sub-programmes plus a fourth transversal sub-programme relating to innovation and capacity building.
The design of Sub-programme 1 "Promoting competitiveness" was subject to selectivity, demand and efficiency principles. Management will ensure permanent performance monitoring and evaluation. Simplification and better adjustment to farming and enterprise activity, as well as their investment and financing needs were also taken into account. As regards selectivity in the allocation of resources, this principle is inherent in the identification of strategic chains of Fruit and Vegetables, Flowers, Olive oil, Wine, Forestry and Quality products.
Sub-programme 2 will focus on support for the maintenance of activities in less favoured and mountain regions, organic farming and integrated production and targeted measures in the forestry sector. The creation of Integrated Territorial Interventions (ITI) aims at ensuring consistency in the application of the different policy instruments on the same territory, according to the central conservation objectives defined.
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Measure description
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Coverage of the measure
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1.
PRODER - RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR MAINLAND Portugal
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Farmers, individuals or legal persons exercising an agricultural activity; enterprises and producers' organisations, processing & marketing SME enterprises that process & market agricultural products;
Young farmers under the first setting up regime;
Forest producers/owners or their associations;
Municipalities or their associations;
Public administration bodies;
Public interest institutions;
Micro-enterprises, within the meaning of Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC. Enterprises included in the SIC (Standard Industrial Classification of economic activities) related to fishing and its products and tourism and leisure activities are excluded;
Private partnerships; Public-private partnerships where the public share is not the majority share; PSSI and NGOs.
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Type of measure
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Non-refundable subsidies
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ICS - HS Code
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Subsidy amount
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Implementation period
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2007-2013
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Keywords
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Forest
Organic
Conservation
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