No reduction to subsidies

There will be enough money for direct farming subsidies, there is still money in the budget – said the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Marek Sawcki at the AGROTECH trade fair in Kielce – We are still negotiation with the European Union the question of reduction for larger farms, however there will be no reduction for the farms below 23 hectares.

Since 1st March the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture (ARiMR) has transferred almost 12,2 billion PLN into the bank accounts of 1,2 million farmers; this is the direct subsidy for 2011. For two years we have matched the EU proportion.

According to the EU regulations the ARiMR launched the directed payments on 1st December 2012, the process will be completed on 30th June 2012. Within the framework of the ONW (Less Favourite Agricultural Areas), 1,2 billion PLN has already been paid to 700 thousand farmers. Common Agricultural Policy of EU has designed to increase agricultural production effectiveness, to provide for appropriate life standards in rural areas as well as to stabilise the markets and offer consumers with the right prices and food safety. However according to Minister Sawicki the years of 2012 and 2013 will be marked with the common policy reforms.

- Modernisation and infrastructure development require a greater stress and highlight – believes Minister Sawicki; during Kielce’s AGROTECH Sawicki has also announcer that the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture and the Agricultural Market Agency will be merged together and that one comprehensive institution will be created - the Food Safety and Veterinary Inspection.

Farmers are most interested in direct subsidies granting procedure; this is also one of the leading motifs of Europe’s largest business sector events – the International Fair Of Agricultural Techniques AGROTECH held in Kielce. Until Sunday farmers are offered advisory services in special consultancy points located in the Targi Kielce centre. In addition to that they are here to visit 50 thousand square metres of the exhibition space which is the showcase for 600 companies from 16 countries. The organisers expect to host 50 thousand farmers.

- This is the most impressive agricultural exhibition – says Minister Marek Sawicki – two weeks ago I visited a similar exhibition in Brno. There were many firms however the exhibition lacked guests. In Kielce this is a true festival.