EU to Support Agriculture with Euro 71 mln

The European Union will continue to support agriculture sector in Albania through Euro 71 million from the IPARD programme for farmers and processing establishments and for the diversification of agricultural activities and services, the Delegation of the EU to Albania said on Friday on the occasion of the second edition of Albania Agricultural Fair (Shqiperia Punon Token). Ambassador Soreca said the IPARD funds will be made available very soon.  The EU will provide Euro 71 million, while the Albanian government will contribute Euro 23 million to the IPARD programme that will offer direct financial assistance to farmers and will support rural development. The programme will be implemented under the EU's instrument for pre-accession assistance in rural development. The objectives of IPARD are to provide assistance for the implementation of the acquis concerning the Common Agricultural Policy and to contribute to the sustainable adaptation of the agricultural sector and rural areas in the EU candidate country. Over 700 farmers and entrepreneurs from all over the country attended the second edition of Albania Agricultural Fair. The fair is considered as the most important annual event dedicated to the promotion of the agriculture sector as a source of income and employment for local communities and as a potential driver of national economic growth. The fair took place until Saturday with food exhibition, music and culinary events by the chefs of renowned restaurants. The fair was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Chamber of Trade and Industry, and the Food Industrialists Association.

 Source:Scan TV