Flood-hit farmers can expect case-by-case aid
Ljubno ob Savinji/Luče/Rečica ob Savinji/Črna na Koroškem/Mežica, 23 August - Many farms in Koroška and the Upper Savinja Valley suffered significant damage in the early-August floods. Some lost all their machinery to the water, others have seen large swathes of arable land wiped out. Agriculture Minister Irena Šinko said a case-by-case approach would be needed for the worst hit farms.
"We know that farmers have been affected and need various kinds of help. The situation and the damage varies from farm to farm, which is why an individual approach will be needed for the farms that have lost everything," she said.
The statement came on Wednesday after Šinko visited Ljubno ob Savinji, Luče and Rečica ob Savinji in the Upper Savinja Valley. Yesterday she was in Koroška.
On one farm she visited, near Rečica ob Savinji, the biggest problems are landslides that threaten several buildings. Another farm, in Ljubno ob Savinji, lost all machinery and buildings.
"For such farms we need to find financial aid so that they can restart operations. One of the possibilities are financial instruments that will be available in autumn. Favourable loans for small farms will be available via the Regional Development Fund," she said.
In Koroška yesterday, one farmer told the minister the farm was first hit by massive windthrow which damaged forests, while the floods covered their lowland fields with debris, sand and rocks.
Šinko said that the ministry was considering an open call through which land would be restored to its original state. An open call for machinery is also under consideration.
Overall, Slovenian agriculture suffered heavily this year. There was a series of storms in early summer with hail and strong winds, followed by the massive flooding in August.
The true extent of the damage has not been assessed yet but Šinko said it was bound to be huge.