(Brussels) The European Commission has taken two measures to help farmers deal with drought: farmers will be able to receive higher advanced payments (up to 70%) for direct payments and 85% for rural development payments. They will also be granted “more flexibility to use land that would normally not be used for production” to feed their animals. In addition to continuous monitoring of the drought situation in Europe with European satellites, the “Commission is in contact with Member States to receive updated information on the impact of drought on local farmers”, a statement from Brussels says.