RIGA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Latvian farmers whose crops were damaged by heavy rainfalls and floods this past August and September will be provided nearly 15 million euros (17.67 million U.S. dollars) in government support, according to a draft government decree.
Ministers are expected to approve the draft document, prepared by the Agriculture Ministry, at a cabinet sitting next week, Latvian public media website lsm.lv reported Friday.
It is planned that 14.87 million euros will be released to the flood-stricken farmers from Latvia's contingency budget. Another 98,300 euros have been allocated to the Rural Support Service for covering unforeseen costs and 13,300 euros have been provided to the Rural Advisory Center.
European Commission President Jean Claude-Juncker also promised EU assistance to Latvian farmers this week.
The damage Latvian farmers suffered this fall from the heavy rainfalls and subsequent floods has reached an estimated 37 million euros, which includes a 19.8 million euros worth of lost direct investment. The Latvian Rural Support Service has received 2,935 applications from farmers seeking 37 million euros worth of assistance in total.
In August this year, the eastern Latvian region of Latgale was hit by a persistent and heavy rain, the severest downpour on record in eastern Latvia. The rainfall triggered floods, causing authorities to declare a state of emergency in 29 municipalities in Latvia.
The Latvian Agriculture Ministry said earlier that Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania might submit a joint compensation request to the European Commission.
