Kunasek calls for swift aid as drought damages rise

Styria Governor Mario Kunasek has called for rapid support for farmers affected by the heat and drought, while saying the Austrian federal government must now take responsibility for further assistance, ORF reported.

The Styrian state government plans to discuss the challenges posed by heatwaves at a meeting next week, including possible additional aid for agriculture.

Agricultural drought damage across Austria is estimated at one billion euros, including 140 million euros in Styria, according to the Austrian Hail Insurance company. Discussions on possible aid packages for farmers are continuing, alongside negotiations within the federal government.

Kunasek said Styria had already taken initial measures, including investments in drinking water supplies in the south of Graz. A total of 150 million euros is being invested jointly in the water supply, he said. The state has also provided eight million euros for farmers, including for irrigation.

He said the federal government should establish a basic framework for further support and stressed that assistance must be delivered quickly. Kunasek suggested paying funds that farmers are already entitled to in December, while noting that European Union rules would also allow the money to be paid as early as September to restore farmers’ liquidity.