
Koalitsioon arutas põllumeestele suunatud soodustusi ja toetusi
Coalition Discussed Benefits and Support for Farmers
Koalitsiooniläbirääkimistel arutati põllumajanduse ja regionaalküsimusi. Põllumeestele kavatsetakse jätkata eridiisli müüki ja kriisiolukorras toetamist.
The coalition negotiations discussed agricultural and regional issues. Plans are in place to continue the sale of special diesel and provide support in crisis situations for farmers.
The topics of agriculture and regional issues were led by Minister Hendrik Terras and the chairman of the Riigikogu rural affairs committee, Urmas Kruuse. At the previous meeting, experts' opinions were heard. Today's topics were food security and strengthening local governments.
The chairman of the rural affairs committee, Urmas Kruuse, said that both innovations and business support are important in agriculture. 'To remain competitive and offer good quality, it is necessary to continue the special diesel discount for farmers,' said Kruuse. He added that emergency support payments in crisis situations will also continue.
Social Democrat Anti Allas suggested reducing the VAT on food. 'At least, the VAT should not rise from 22 to 24 percent. In fact, it should be possible to reduce the VAT by half. This would reduce price increases,' said Allas.
Kruuse, however, found that reducing VAT may not help. 'For example, in Spain, VAT was reduced to zero, but prices remained lower only for a short time. We need to find better solutions,' said Kruuse.
Minister Hendrik Terras stressed the need to invest in smaller municipalities. 'We need to direct funds to local governments so they can develop entrepreneurship. This will help people live better there,' said Terras.
Negotiations on agriculture and regional topics will continue. On Wednesday, the future of public transport will be discussed.