Skopje, 2 May 2023 (MIA) - We are first in the region to start the new IPARD story with EUR 97 million at our disposal. Let's turn these new funds into new investments. Let's continue to develop the municipalities and rural areas, modernize our production with the EU's support, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, Ljupcho Nikolovski, told Tuesday's event marking the official start of the campaign for the IPARD 3 Programme. 

Nikolovski mentioned that the country is a leader in the region with 98 percent utilization of funds and zero euros in return for the entire IPARD 2 period.

“A small country like ours fought for a leadership position in a competition with countries twice the size and EU member states. Proof of this is that we have as many investments as Serbia, Montenegro and Albania combined. We are leaders on three grounds: we have the highest utilization of 98 percent of IPARD 2 funds with 2,369 contracts concluded, zero euros in refunds for the entire IPARD 2 period, and we are the first in the region to start the IPARD 3 program. This success is measured in millions of euros invested at home, in investments according to European standards for the modernization of agriculture and increased rural development. Many new reprocessing facilities, facilities for rural tourism, farms, modern agricultural mechanization, irrigation systems and small businesses from rural areas have been implemented. These new faculties make for increased production, employment, greater rural tourism and an increased domestic economy,” said Nikolovski.

According to him, it brings joy that out of 2,369 contracts, as many as 859 were concluded with young farmers, whose investments in agriculture amount to EUR 9 million.

"What gives more weight to these numbers is the fact that all investments financed by IPARD meet the strict EU standards," he adds.

Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj also spoke at the event, emphasizing that the new program period of IPARD 3 begins with a 62 percent larger budget compared to IPARD 2.

"This is a new page in the development of Macedonian agriculture that will increase exports to the EU market and will give us a good basis for many more and larger structural European funds, because that is what being a member of the EU means. This is both a confirmation and the strongest proof of why we are and why we should stay on the European path," Marichikj pointed out. 

Nikica Bachovski, director of the Agency for Financial Support in Agriculture and Rural Development, noted that institutions have invested great efforts in promoting and affirming the IPARD Programme.

"The goal was to acquaint the end-users with all conditions, criteria and rules, and also send a strong message that IPARD knows no religions, nations, affiliations, and political prominence. IPARD is here to support anyone who comes up with a good project. IPARD's goal is to assist agriculture, encourage rural and economic development in rural areas," said Bachovski.

The IPARD 3 Programme that was presented at the event is different from IPARD 2 in several ways. In addition to the four already accredited measures from IPARD 2, four new measures will be authorized: for rural infrastructure, local shareholder groups (LAGs), agroecology, climate and organic production, as well as for advisory services.

Minister Nikolovski briefed Mayors on the new Measure for Rural Infrastructure, which will be accredited in 2024 and is intended for municipalities. He also said that, they will have EUR 17 million available for investments in renewable energy sources, local road infrastructure, water supply and sewerage for greater development of rural areas. Electronic systems will be used for procuring documents from the Central Registry, which will simplify and speed up the process of providing necessary documentation and reduce costs for users.

The biggest news, Nikolovski stressed, is that with IPARD 3 an advance payment of up to 50 percent of the amount of financial support is possible, immediately after signing the contract, which will be a great relief for the faster realization of all investments and great financial assistance for an easier start of the projects.

In May and June, an intensive field information campaign will be conducted in all region by visiting two communities per day. While the first step from the IPARD 3 Programme should be announced at the end of June. ssh/nn/
 

Photo: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy