After mobilizing €5 million for flood-affected municipalities, Martine Vassal visited Moulès, near Arles, to meet with farmers severely impacted by the bad weather. The damage is significant, affecting submerged crops, livestock losses, and destroyed equipment, with nearly 2,500 hectares of rice cultivation impacted.
This exceptional fund will target the most vulnerable farms in market gardening, fruit growing, arable farming, rice cultivation, beekeeping, and livestock sectors. Its terms will be defined in collaboration with the Chamber of Agriculture, professional organizations, and state services to ensure rapid and tailored responses.
“"Behind every devastated farm, there are years of work, sacrifices, families, and sometimes a whole life turned upside down. I refuse to let our farmers face this catastrophe alone. After the €5 million for our municipalities, I have decided to mobilize an additional €1 million for our farmers. Our responsibility is to act quickly, protect our farms, and enable those who feed our territory to recover."
Martine Vassal also stated she would write to Annie Genevard, Minister of Agriculture, to request a derogation from 'de minimis' aid rules from the European Commission. The aim is to allow exceptional flood-related aid to be exempt from usual ceilings, thereby supporting farmers commensurate with their losses.
The Department thus confirms its commitment to a sector essential for the economy, food sovereignty, and the identity of Provence, recalling that it already dedicates €10 million annually to agriculture.
