The Agency for Payments and Intervention in Agriculture (APIA) reminds potential beneficiaries that until the date of March 21, 2024, inclusive, applications for the state aid scheme to support the activity of beef and buffalo breeders for the losses incurred during the period October 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023, in the context of the crisis caused by Russia's aggression against Ukraine, are to be submitted.

Applications and supporting documents are to be submitted/transmitted to the APIA county/local centers, respectively to the Bucharest Municipality, accompanied by a self-declaration stating that they are not undergoing reorganization, liquidation, or bankruptcy, as of February 24, 2022, according to the model provided in annex no.1 point III of the emergency ordinance.

The documents submitted/transmitted in copy by the beneficiary will bear the phrase "conform to the original," will be dated and endorsed by the beneficiary's signature.

The total maximum value of the state aid scheme is 79,427,740 lei, equivalent to the amount of 16,100,000 euros, which is provided from the state budget through the budget of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR) for the year 2024.

The amount of state aid granted to beneficiaries is 100 euros/head of beef cattle or buffalo.

The total value of the aid that can be granted to each beneficiary does not exceed the equivalent in lei of 280,000 euros, at the exchange rate established by the National Bank of Romania, valid on the date of entry into force of Government Ordinance no. 13/2024.

The scheme is cumulated with any other support schemes funded from the state budget under section 2.1 - Limited amounts of aid, point 62, letter a) of the European Commission Communication (2023/C1188), respecting the maximum threshold of 280,000 euros/beneficiary.

The payment of state aid is made by June 30, 2024. Payments may be made after this date for invalid accounts, but no later than December 31, 2024.

Information regarding the beneficiaries, eligibility conditions, documents accompanying the application for state aid, as well as the Applicant's Guide can be found published on the APIA website www.apia.org.ro.

It is noted that until February 20, 2024, inclusive, a total of 194 applications have been submitted out of a potential number of 4,295 beneficiaries.

Legislation:

Government Ordinance no. 13/2023 regarding the establishment of a state aid scheme to support the activity of beef and buffalo breeders, in the context of the crisis caused by Russia's aggression against Ukraine.