As the UK is no longer in the EU, this framework does not apply to England and Wales or other parts of the UK.
The UK Government has introduced its own state subsidy control arrangements since leaving the EU, but has not yet introduced a specific measure targeted at the impacts of the crisis in the Middle East.
How does the framework help farmers and growers in the EU?
- The EU framework will apply retroactively from 1 March 2026, and last until 31 December 2026.
- The national support per beneficiary can cover up to 70% of the additional costs for fuel and fertilisers directly caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
- ‘Additional costs’ are defined as the difference between current market prices and a historical benchmark chosen by the Member State, applied to current or latest pre‑crisis usage levels. It is not a blanket subsidy.
- For smaller or more vulnerable businesses, there is a simplified support route allowing aid of up to €50,000 per beneficiary, based on proxies (eg, farm size or typical fuel use) rather than detailed proof of actual fuel/fertiliser consumption.
- The aid may be granted in the form of direct grants, tax and payment advantages, or other forms such as guarantees, loans and equity.
In addition, the framework introduces further flexibility for energy-intensive industries under the CISAF (Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework), notably by allowing higher aid intensities for electricity costs.
However, although the EU Commission has given Member States the legal flexibility to fund national support, it has so far not granted any additional EU money. That is now a decision for individual countries in compliance with the framework.
The EU is due to publish its fertiliser action plan on 19 May. This is expected to cover short- and long-term measures to reduce the EU’s dependency on imported fertilisers, to stimulate the use of organic and green fertilisers and to improve the transparency of the sector.
NFU urging government to adopt immediate measures
Responding to the news of the framework, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “The costs of things like red diesel and fertiliser, which are key to fuel farm machinery and boost crop and grass growth, have become incredibly volatile. Some members have reported red diesel costs rising as much as 90% and fertiliser as much as 44%.
“The situation is changing constantly but one thing is clear – this is not sustainable, for farmers or for consumers who are facing the prospect of higher food prices.
“Governments in Europe and elsewhere are taking steps to ensure the production of affordable food by providing targeted support for farmers and growers, and we need to see this in the UK too. The NFU is urging ministers to adopt immediate measures that would help keep on-farm cost inflation under control and to back efforts to boost resilience in our food systems, in turn reducing both farmers’ and consumers’ exposure to global shocks.
“We know that the impacts of this war could be felt well into 2027, and it’s vital farmers and growers are given confidence that they can minimise risks when it comes to making planting decisions for next year.”
