Skopje, 30 March 2023 (MIA) – Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, Ljupcho Nikolovski and director of the Agency for Financial Support of Agriculture and Rural Development, Nikica Bachovski, met with EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski and agriculture ministers from the region in Brussels on Thursday, where North Macedonia’s positive results within the IPARD II Programme were shared.

Minister Nikolovski said that North Macedonia is a leader in the region with 98 percent of IPARD II funds used and over 2,000 concluded agreements.

“At the same time, we are actively preparing for another successful story with the new IPARD III Programme, with increased funds for even larger investments and modernization of Macedonian agriculture. We will do our best to justify the trust that we have received from the EU Commission with the increase of the new IPARD III budget, by making the funds available through public calls as well as the accreditation of new measures for investments in rural infrastructure and advisory services,” said Nikolovski.

According to the Minister, the countries from the region can only achieve their goals by standing united.

“We are continuing the joint dialogue and efforts for a successful implementation of IPARD in all countries of the region,” said Nikolovski.

The European Commission granted North Macedonia an increase of 62 percent or EUR 97 million of non-refundable support for the new IPARD III Programme. The funds are to be used for new investments, development and modernization of Macedonian agriculture.

Photo: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy