DPM Simović:In first call of IPARD programme, Montenegrin sector of agriculture has passed another big European exam

Montenegro, Podgorica(12 June 2018)-- The first public call for non-refundable investments in agricultural holdings through the IPARD programme received 389 planned investment requests in the amount of approximately EUR 27 million.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

On that occasion,  today is held a press conference of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Milutin Simović and the Head of the Pre-Accession Assistance Unit of the Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission, Mr. Liam Breslin.

Addressing  of  Deputy Prime Minister Simović is passed on in its entirety:

The Montenegrin agriculture sector has passed another major European exam. This is a rating we can rightly say because the first public call for non-refundable investment in agricultural holdings has received as many as 389 requests for planned investments in the amount of about EUR 27 million.

At one time, Croatia had 40 requests in two calls, Macedonia in three calls  about 140 requests, and Turkey within three calls, had only 10 requests.The success that we have achieved within the partnership of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission and the EU Delegation to Montenegro is the result of the Government's accountable approach and decision on the priority engagement of all relevant institutions in the implementation of this project, ultimately, the result of entrepreneurial energy and the responsible relationship of farmers  who have been involved in the process since the beginning.

I would like to remind you that we have presented this public invitation through 22 workshops across Montenegro, in direct and open communication with about 1,000 farmers. The professional and advisory services of the Ministry and the competent institutions were also devoted and efficiently carried out their work at this stage. The energy of the crowded hall was also transferred to the process of preparing and submitting applications, which best describes the 389 received requests.An official website of the project was created, where all information can be found and all necessary documents are downloaded, the necessary printed information material is prepared and distributed.

We are particularly pleased with the fact that a large number of applications came from the northern region - 221 or 57%.Most requests concern the procurement of agricultural mechanisation - 187, then equipment and mechanisation - 80, mixed investments (construction, supply of equipment and mechanisation, raising of plantations) - 61, and exclusively for construction of buildings - 41 requests.I would remind you that the total amount of funds available for this public call is EUR 10,720,000, and financial support consists of 75% of European funds and 25% of Montenegrin budget, and are intended for investments of EUR 10,000 to 500,000 .

 What are our further steps?

The process of administrative control of each individual request is underway in accordance with accredited procedures. Non-refundable support will amount to 60% of the eligible investment amount, or 65% for holders of agricultural holdings under 40 years of age. For agricultural holdings located at an altitude of more than 600 m, the support is 70%. The decision on allocation of support and contracting will be made after checking all requests, scoring and ranking those who successfully pass administrative and field control. In front of us is a diligent, demanding and responsible job that we will accomplish in the most efficient way, respecting all accredited European rules and procedures. And here I would refer to comparative experiences. Croatia was required to control and approve 40 requests received in 218 days, Macedonia for about 140 requests - 152 days, a Turkey has only 10 requests - 101 days. I repeat, we have 389 requests. I am sure that the responsible, committed and continued partnering relationship between the Ministry of Agriculture and Customer Support will successfully complete all the necessary procedures and realise the investments that will give our producers a new momentum in development, open up new jobs and contribute to improving the quality of life in their environment. Finally, I want to remind you that during the realisation of the second public call for support for processing and that requests can be submitted by 16 July. Also, our demanding activities on accrediting new measures under the IPARD programme are underway, which are geared towards diversification of activities in rural environments.