France supports farmers as fuel, fertiliser prices surge

PARIS, March 24 (Reuters) - France has implemented a series of emergency measures to support farmers facing surging fuel and fertiliser prices resulting from the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, the farm ministry said on Tuesday.

Farmers have seen their costs increase sharply with higher prices for diesel, gas, and fertilisers threatening some farms' financial stability and food production.

• Immediate actions include delayed payment of social contributions and flexible tax deadlines for farms upon request.

• State-backed, short-term loans from public investment bank Bpifrance are now available to farms most affected by fuel price hikes.

• The government is also working with banks and distributors to find solutions for businesses facing cash flow problems.

• France has been pushing at the level of the European Union to exclude fertilisers from the carbon border levy, which came into force on January 1, to ease costs for farmers.

• The disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict severely affected the global fertiliser and oil trade, contributing to price spikes and production challenges.

• The government took similar steps for the road, air and sea transport sectors on Monday.