Skopje, 10 February 2023 (MIA) – Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Ljupcho Nikolovski said Friday this year’s agricultural budget of EUR 200 million, the biggest one to date, will allow for full realization of new measures and programs, whereas the application of a new subsidizing model will begin as well.

“We are beginning the application of the new subsidization model that brings bigger subsidies for cattle breeders, we are increasing support for breeding cattle, as well as increasing support for the produced milk. Our new program, implemented for the first time, supports small food producers with a EUR 10,000 grant to procure equipment for production, packaging and selling from one’s own doorstep or a farm. We are also continuing and expanding the Small Family Winery Program by securing a EUR 10,000 grant for them, as well as a EUR 5,000 grant for small distilleries to allow them to purchase production and packaging equipment. All agricultural workers can now prepare their own business plan, choose an area to invest in and plan a EUR 10,000 grant, all in one year-long open call,” Minister Nikolovski told reporters.

He especially focused on the opportunities given to women in agriculture for the first time.

“Finally, women in agriculture have the opportunity for a paid maternity leave, a historical decision and a massive success achieved alongside with the Ministry of Labor and the National Federation of Farmers. Through a special program funded with funds from the Payment Agency, we will provide a one-time financial payment for maternity leave of women in agriculture, which will amount to Mden 81 000 (EUR 1,300). This is a transitional solution in the interest of rural women, until we bring a systemic solution, which we are actively working on,” said Nikolovski.

The one-time maternity compensation can be used by individual women in agriculture registered in accordance with the Law on Agricultural Activity and the Pension and Disability Insurance Law, and it will be awarded to women who have given birth between 1 December 2022 and 1 December 2023.

The Minister also said that grants awarded to young farmers and rural women would continue. dk/ik/