EU assistance for the agricultural sector in Serbia
Do you remember the "PHARE" or "SAPARD" program in Central and Eastern Europe? It has been replaced by a brand new program for Serbia and it is called IPARD program. IPARD is Rural Development Component of the European Union’s Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance.
The program provides assistance for the implementation of the acquis concerning the Common Agricultural Policy. It also contributes to the sustainable adaptation of the agriculture sector and rural areas of candidate countries – in this case Serbia.
IPARD amounts to EUR175 million and combined with private and government incentives this figure could reach up to EUR400 million investment money for the agricultural sector in Serbia.
On the 29th of June the Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia handed the IPARD II financial agreement on the allocation of the aid for rural development for the period 2014-2020 to the Serbian Minister of European Integration.
The signing of the agreement is a result of cooperation between the Serbian authorities, primarily the Minister of Agriculture, the EU Delegation as well as the European Commission in Brussels.
The project aims to help farmers and food producers prepare for the competition they will face when Serbia joins the single EU market. These companies might also invest in Dutch knowledge and innovative solutions.
General information can be found in the attached presentation but for specific facts and figures please contact the Agriculture Department of the Embassy in Belgrade (contact details below).
Source: Beta News
Mila Mirkovic – Agricultural Assistant Belgrade
E-mail: BEL-LNV@minbuza.nl