From today, farmers in Baltic states will begin collecting signatures for a joint declaration calling for equal agricultural support from the European Union. Until 17th June, Baltic farmers will collect signatures in the hope of influencing policy decisions under discussion in Europe.

The farmers are demanding equal allocation of subsidies under the new budgetary period of the Common Agricultural Policy. In Estonia, shoppers are able to sign petitions at all large grocery stores to facilitate the collection of signatures in support of the state’s farmers.

Estonian Farmers Confederation deputy president Jaan Sorra said yesterday, "This action is a touchstone of democracy and solidarity - if Brussels does not listen to our just demands, the talk about citizens' society, solidarity and caring about its citizens is hollow."  

At present, levels of agricultural subsidies for the Baltic States are the lowest in the EU; the average EU direct subsidies level is €269 per hectare, whereas in Estonia it is €117, in Latvia €97 and in Lithuania €144. Under current proposals, direct subsidy allocations will increase to just €159 in Estonia, €145 in Latvia and €177 in Lithuania by the end of the next budgetary period in 2020.

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