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Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D., today welcomed the announcement by the European Commission, that the maximum threshold limits under the agriculture de minimis regulation has increased from €15,000 up to €25,000.  In welcoming the announcement of the European Commission, Minister Creed said:

“I have said that the State will not be found wanting when it comes to supporting the Irish agri-food sector and farmers when it comes to Brexit.  The increase in the agriculture de minimis limits is a very important first step , and I am grateful to the Commissioner for his response on this issue.”

The need for flexibility in State Aid Rules has been on Minister Creed’s agenda for some time and he recently met  with Commissioner Hogan to discuss this and  other state aid issues, as well as the the need for direct support from the Commission in the context of Brexit. The Commissioner confirmed that the Commission was ready to respond as appropriate.

Minister Creed also welcomed the announcement from the European Commission that it has given State Aid approval for national investment in an Irish cheese producing company, Carbery Food Ingredients Ltd.

Referring to the announcement, Minister Creed said, ‘’I am delighted that this investment has been successfully progressed through the Directorate General for Agriculture, following extensive engagement led by my Department, in collaboration with the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation Enterprise Ireland, with the European Commission.  This approval is an important precedent, and can provide a template for the assistance of companies in the  agri-food sector  within the state aid rules and regulations.”