Although the sum is taken from subsidy payments, it is reimbursed to farmers the following year if it is not used, which to date it never has. This usual, yearly process is therefore something that farmers never actually in reality feel the consequences of.
The mood is however slightly different this year as there has been some discussion by member states about its deployment to address the difficulties currently facing farmers. Yet currently there are no official plans for this.
The European Parliament and Council have until 30 June to adopt the suggested rate or the commission will be able to set it as they propose. Further talks on the reserve and market situation are expected on 11 April at the next Agriculture Council in Luxembourg.