Farmers heed the call and apply in mass for EU subsidies

The vast majority of Polish farmers - 85% - filed applications to receive direct farming subsidies from the EU, although a few weeks ago there were serious concerns about the number of applications received by the Agriculture Restructuring and Modernization Agency (ARiMR). "In the old EU countries, only 50% to 70% of farmers filed applications in the first year [of eligibility for subsidies]," boasted Agriculture Minister Wojciech Olejniczak, who appeared in TV spots encouraging the farmers to submit their applications. The initial deadline for the applications was June 15, but at Poland's request it was extended to July 1. Olejniczak thanked everybody who made the effort to get the message to farmers, including the Church. "I have personally heard a parish priest call to farmers to file applications and if they do not want the money they should give it to the Church," said Olejniczak. Farmers will receive a subsidy of around zł.500 per hectare, with additional money to be paid to those whose farms are in unfavorable locations. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 19) T.J.