Mar 15 • 09:26 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

K. Vaitiekūnas Takes Farmers' Concerns About New Tax Seriously: We Understand the Situation Is Difficult

Lithuanian Finance Minister K. Vaitiekūnas acknowledges the challenges farmers face regarding rising fertilizer costs and their difficulty in obtaining loans, promising to address their concerns in the European context.

Lithuanian Finance Minister K. Vaitiekūnas addressed the concerns of farmers regarding a new tax, indicating that the issue is being discussed on a European level. He acknowledged that farmers have expressed significant concerns about the rising costs of fertilizers and the difficult circumstances they are currently facing. Vaitiekūnas emphasized that these risks are being taken seriously by the government, as farmers are clearly articulating their worries to decision-makers.

Furthermore, Vaitiekūnas reassured farmers that the Cabinet is aware of the difficulties they experience in accessing loans for working capital. Falling prices for milk procurement have also raised alarm within the farming community. To mitigate the challenges posed by excess production, proposals are being put forward to find solutions that would benefit all stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The Finance Ministry is exploring options to provide assistance through the national development bank ILTE, but European Union regulatory frameworks are complicating this process.

While efforts are ongoing to facilitate better support for farmers in Lithuania, the impact of EU regulations remains a significant barrier. Vaitiekūnas promised to formulate a position that reflects the farmers' concerns when representing Lithuania in broader European discussions. As the situation evolves, it will be crucial for the Lithuanian government to balance local farming needs against EU policies to secure a sustainable agricultural future.

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