100 million euros to support the modernisation of olive oil mills: this is the sum allocated by the Government with a scheme that has recently obtained the green light of the European Commission. The objective of this aid measure is to encourage businesses of all sizes producing extra virgin olive oil to increase the efficiency of olive oil mills. Under the scheme, support will take the form of direct grants. The aid per beneficiary will not exceed 50% of the eligible costs. The plan will be in force until 31 December 2026.
The European Commission has considered that the scheme proposed by Italy is necessary and adequate to ensure sustainable growth of the agricultural sector. The Commission also found that the measure is proportionate and that any adverse effects on competition and trade in the EU will be limited in view of the size of the projects, the aid amounts and the characteristics of the sector.
The Commission also concluded that the aid would have an "incentive effect" as the beneficiaries would not make the same investments without public support. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme in accordance with the Union rules on State aid.