Minister Ivanović in Brussels: Next steps in agriculture area agreed

Brussels, Belgium (10 April 2014) -- On the third day of his visit to in Brussels, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Petar Ivanović met with EU Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos, Director General for Enlargement Christian Danielson, Deputy Director General for Agriculture and Rural Development Monica Paré, and Head of Unit for Montenegro and Island in the DG for Enlargement Dirk Lange.

EU Agriculture Commissioner Ciolos thanked Minister Ivanović for his contribution to the organisation of the conference on strengthening actors of rural development, which was held yesterday in Brussels. He stressed the importance of cooperation in the process of adopting standards and values of the European agricultural policy and welcomed the results Montenegro achieved in the sector of agriculture.

"I appreciate Montenegro’s Agriculture Ministry’s efforts in preparing the IPARD programme and everything that has been done in preparation for the opening of the of chapter 11 dealing with agriculture. Our goal is not only to help Montenegro better prepare for the accession to the EU, but also to help the Montenegrin farmers welcome the entry into the EU, " he explained.

Minister Ivanović thanked Commissioner Ciolos for the continued collaboration and support, and informed him about next steps towards fulfilling criteria for the opening of negotiations. The two officials agreed on expert and technical support for strengthening the education system and providing advice to agricultural producers, especially in preparing themselves for the IPARD programme, as well as the financial support aimed at implementing agricultural development programmes.

"We have worked a lot on developing the partnerships and I am pleased that leading people of the European Commission have acknowledged efforts made by all the employees in Montenegro's  Ministry of Agriculture, which is best illustrated through their willingness to continue providing technical, expert and financial support to Montenegro,” Minister Ivanović underlined.

Mr Danielson, Director General for Enlargement, pledged support for Montenegro's accession programme, establishment and strengthening of the Paying Agency and for meeting criteria for the opening of chapters 11, 12 and 13. He added that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is on the right track towards fulfilling EU requirements.

Minister Ivanovic presented Mr Danielson the Montenegrin agricultural policy, with special emphasis on the implementation of the IPA funds, preparation of calls for IPARD-like programme and meeting conditions for the opening of negotiations in agriculture.

"I believe the Montenegrin agriculture has potential for withdrawing the IPARD funds. Education plays crucial role in the process and I am glad that Mr Danielson and I agreed on the need to further educate farmers,” Montenegro Agriculture Minister noted.

At the meeting with Deputy Director General for Agriculture and Rural Development Monica Paré, Minister Ivanović stressed that there has been a gradual increase in the efficiency of Montenegrin agriculture, standards of production, and that previous investments have made results. Ms Paré voiced satisfaction with the activities of the Ministry and the policies aimed at the agriculture development. She stressed that Montenegro can count on the EU’s continued support in meeting the EU membership requirements.

The meeting between Head of Unit for Montenegro and Iceland at the Directorate General for Enlargement Dirk Lange and Minister Ivanovič agreed that Montenegro has made significant achievements in all areas of agriculture during its preparation for the negotiation process.

Mr Lange welcomed the progress made in the three chapters and the Ministry’s commitment to fulfilling obligations arising from the process. Minister Ivanović said that the recent Mr Lange’s visit Lange Montenegro was a good opportunity to get acquainted with the current situation in Montenegro’s agriculture, its  resources and further development needs.