Commission Proposes €540M Farm Relief Package as Middle East Crisis Drives Up Fertiliser Costs

The European Commission proposed on June 12, 2026 to mobilise €540 million to help farmers cope with soaring fertiliser costs — a knock-on effect of the Middle East crisis, since natural gas is both fuel and feedstock for nitrogen fertiliser production. The package let member states redirect Common Agricultural Policy funds more flexibly, advance direct payments earlier in 2026, and top up national support by up to 200% — bringing total potential support to €1.5 billion — alongside a proposed €300 million boost to the EU's agricultural reserve.