IPARD III The financial agreement between the Government of Serbia and the European Commission provides grants in the amount of 288 million euros, with which the European Union supports the development of agriculture in Serbia. This agreement was solemnly handed over to Ministers Aleksandar Martinović and Tanja Miščević by the EU ambassador to Serbia, Emanuel Žiofre. On this occasion, the ministers and the ambassador visited the farm of IPARD II program beneficiary Srđan Miletić in the village of Tolić, in order to emphasize the importance of such projects for the improvement of domestic agriculture.
Within the framework of the IPARD III program, the funds allocated by the EU to Serbia in the agricultural sector have increased by 65% compared to the previous IPARD II, which represents significant support for agricultural producers and contributes to the development of rural areas. Minister Martinović pointed out that the implementation of the program has already started, and the interest of the users is high, as shown by the number of submitted requests. The program is designed to encourage the improvement of agricultural production through investments in equipment, facilities and technology, and the total contribution with national co-financing and private investments by users will reach an investment value of almost 600 million euros.
Support is available through four measures of the program, and accreditation of an additional three is expected soon. Minister Martinović emphasized the commitment of the government to provide assistance to farmers, especially young people, in order to stay in their places and develop production. Using the example of Srđan Miletić, who produces around 300,000 chickens a year, the minister expressed the possibility of helping with the construction of a slaughterhouse, which would enable the products to be marketed in trade chains in Serbia and abroad.
IPARD as a sign of support for Serbian agriculture, as always
Minister Miščević stated that IPARD III directly supports legal entities and individuals throughout Serbia. According to her, IPARD enables them to reach European standards in agricultural production, hygiene, environmental protection and animal welfare. IPARD III is a step towards the use of larger European funds that will be available to Serbia after joining the EU.
Ambassador Žiofre emphasized the EU’s commitment to supporting Serbian farmers, so that they can be competitive on the European market. Support through the EU grant will enable farmers, processors and rural communities to face challenges, improve competitiveness and develop rural areas, including tourism.
Program beneficiary Srđan Miletić, who invested in facilities and equipment for fattening and housing poultry, thanked for the support. He emphasized that without IPARD funds, he would not be able to realize this project. The president of the municipality of Mionica, Boban Janković, emphasized the importance of such agreements for the development of local communities. Along the way, he emphasized the municipality’s support to farmers in the process of applying for IPARD funds.
The goals of the IPARD program include increasing the competitiveness of agriculture in Serbia, preserving the environment, supporting rural communities and improving rural infrastructure. So far, 17 public calls have been published within IPARD. At the same time, over 1,400 contracts were signed and more than 1,200 payments were made, which confirms the success of the program in supporting Serbian farmers.
Source: AgroTV
Source: boljazemlja.com
