European Union farm head proposes millions in aid for producers hurt by E. coli

BRUSSELS — The EU's farm chief has proposed €150 million ($219 million) in aid to help producers hit by the continent's E. coli contamination crisis.

European Union Farm Commissioner Dacian Ciolos said today agriculture ministers will consider whether farmers can recoup from EU coffers up to 30 percent of the cost of vegetables that cannot be sold because of the German E. coli crisis.

An agreement in principle on aid is expected later today.

The EU health chief earlier warned Germany against premature — and inaccurate — conclusions on the source of the contaminated food, which has left 22 dead, spread fear all over Europe and cost farmers in exports.

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