Agricultural producers in Estonia now have the opportunity to apply for a new support measure that helps compensate for yield losses caused by natural disasters in 2024. The support is specifically aimed at those whose rapeseed, turnip rape, or spring barley fields were affected by winter damage, drought, pests, or other extreme weather events.

Both individuals (sole proprietors) and legal entities are eligible to apply, provided they cultivated at least five hectares of rapeseed, turnip rape, or spring barley in 2024. The application period is short: from April 30 to May 7, 2025. PRIA (the Agricultural Registers and Information Board) will assess damage based on specific weather phenomena such as winterkill, spring frost, spring drought, heatwaves, pest infestations, and excessive rainfall.

Support levels are calculated based on average yields by county and crop type. Damage is assessed on a per-field basis, and support is granted if the actual yield is at least 30% lower than the five-year average. The larger the damage, the higher the compensation per hectare.

The support rates are:

• €81 per hectare for 30–49.99% yield loss
• €135 per hectare for at least 50% yield loss

PRIA will disburse the payments by December 31, 2025, at the latest. Pre-filled application forms will be made available in the e-PRIA portal, making the application process faster and more convenient for farmers.

An important prerequisite is that the applicant must have submitted an area-based aid application in 2024 and declared at least five hectares of rapeseed, turnip rape, or spring barley on it.

The total budget for this support is €13.5 million, fully financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). This quick and targeted support measure helps farmers cope with nature-related challenges and ensures the continuation of agricultural production under difficult circumstances.

More detailed information is available on PRIA's website: pria.ee/toetused/erakorraline-loodusonnetusest-pohjustatud-kahju-huvitamise-toetus