French growers have notched up a couple of victories with the authorities this past week.

The European Commission has granted the French government longer to reimburse aid payments made during the period 1992-2002, while French farm minister Bruno Le Maire announced an emergency package of €15 million (£12.9m).

The EU authorities have now granted France until the end of September to report back to the commission on aid overpayment.

Meanwhile, Le Maire has granted aid to growers of fruit and vegetable crops particularly hard hit by low pricing, in the form of preferential rates on existing loans and added social benefits for growers and their families.