Skopje, 9 November 2022 (MIA) - Joint creation of policies for rural development and greater awareness on measures for obtaining financial support, as well as the work of institutions, encouraging innovations in agriculture and food production but also increased sustainability of activities in rural areas and communities are just some of the goals of the National Rural Network, which officially launched on Wednesday. This web platform will operate in all areas throughout the country, and the goal is to improve the quality of life of each individual by initiating and establishing cooperation and partnerships. It was created according to European standards and membership is free. Anyone who has the desire and interest can become a member, regardless of whether they are individuals, manufacturers, companies, institutions,... As said at the promotion, the network has been a legal obligation since 2012 and today, finally, after 10 years, it is being put into operation. In 20 days, the National Rural Network is expected to have around 1,000 members. "Finally, with the adoption of the bylaws, we are putting this mechanism into operation, which will enable even greater involvement of all stakeholders in the creation, reorganization and transformation of policies, as well as in the dissemination of information. The network will also provide education, and it is enough to visit the website to become its member, noted Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Ljupcho Nikolovski. He referred to the support measures, emphasizing once again that rural development in the country is extremely important. As he mentioned, there can be cuts in other sectors but not in rural development. "A new measure has been created in the Rural Development Program - a business plan in agriculture. Applicants will say what they need the funds for in an open call throughout the year," Nikolovski said. Details about the National Rural Network and its functioning were announced by the Ministry's State Advisor Trajan Dimkovski. A longer-term goal, Dimkovski emphasizes, is to accredit this measure through the IPARD programs. "Membership is open. Anyone who is interested can join, those who want to be up-to-date and involved in agricultural activities and contribute to the creation of policies, regardless of whether natural persons, producers, companies, institutions, agricultural cooperatives, educational institutions, ... Membership is voluntary and free of charge," Dimkovski pointed out. The website of the National Rural Network is http://nmrr.mk. dk/ik/