STOCKHOLM, July 30 (Xinhua) -- The Swedish government distributes 1.2 billion SEK (130 million U.S. dollars) in support to farmers after the extreme heat wave and forest fires that are still raging in the country, Swedish Television SVT reported Monday.
The government's representatives announced the crisis support at a press conference on Monday.
"This is a national crisis package to Sweden's farmers and food suppliers. The effects of the long-term drought have us deeply worried about the situation in Sweden," Finance Minister Magdalena Andersson said.
According to SVT, the aid will be paid during 2018 and 2019, and it is meant to compensate for losses of crops and livestock animals that have been forced to slaughter.
Sweden has also discussed with the EU the possibility of giving farmers an advance payment of 250 million SEK (28.5 million U.S. dollars). EU's decision is expected to arrive at the earliest in September.
Sweden has suffered extreme temperatures and drought since May.
