Avian flu: Commission will provide €14 million to Poland to compensate farmers

Following a positive vote by Member States, the Commission will provide €14 million to Poland to help compensate farmers in areas affected by outbreaks of avian flu. Financed by the agricultural reserve, the payments must be made to farmers by 28 February 2026.

Between 9 August 2021 and 3 August 2023, 193 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza of subtype H5 (“avian flu”) were confirmed and notified by Poland. The species affected were chickens, laying hens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. Poland took all the necessary animal health and veterinary measures, including control, monitoring and preventive measures.  Protection and surveillance zones were established. This led to a loss of production of hatching eggs, eggs for consumption, live animals and poultry meat in the farms located in those areas under movement restrictions, as well as losses due to destroyed and downgraded eggs and meat.

Following a formal request by Poland, the Commission decided, after thorough analysis, to cover with EU funds 50% of the expenditure borne by Poland to support concerned farmers providing a total amount of €14 059 607 from the agricultural reserve. This amount was established on the basis of set compensation amount per animal and egg.

Only farms located in those regulated zones and affected by the control measures caused by the 193 mentioned outbreaks will be entitled to receive this support. To avoid double funding with public money, losses suffered should not have been compensated by state aid or insurance. Payments co-financed by the agricultural reserve must be made by 28 February 2026 at the latest.

After the formal adoption of the support measure by the Commission, the implementing regulation will be published in the EU Official Journal and is expected to enter into force at the beginning of August.