The European Commission (EC) has suspended its emergency aid measures for perishable fruit and vegetables worth €125 million (US$167 million) for fear that some EU farmers are abusing the system. 

The measures were originally announced on August 18 to support growers who would lose business in the wake of Russia's import ban on EU agricultural products.

The EC said in a release there had been strong interest from the sectors concerned, but the scheme had 'to be closed due to a disproportionate surge in claims'.

It said the figures submitted for some products were several times higher than the total EU average annual exports to Russia.

The Commission stated that in order to prolong the effectiveness of the emergency measures and still stabilize the markets, it would come forward with a 'more targeted scheme in the near future', taking into account the experience of the past few weeks.

"The European Commission remains committed to support those producers who have suddenly lost an important market because of the Russian measures," said EC Agriculture & Rural Development Commissioner Dacian Cioloș.

"I intend to present a new scheme in the coming days which is more targeted and efficient and which will continue on from this scheme."

You can click here to see our in-depth coverage on the ongoing situation with Russia's import ban.

Photo: www.shutterstock.com

www.freshfruitportal.com