Contracts from the SP ZPP worth almost 24 million euros were ceremonially awarded
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries David Vlajčić today presented 24 contracts from the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy for the period 2023-2027 at a ceremony held at the National and University Library in Zagreb.
A total of 54 signed contracts cover seven interventions and a total of 54 beneficiaries, and the amount of approved support is almost 24 million euros.
"When we talk about these numbers, it is easy to forget what they really mean, and this is a very common scene. A man sitting at a table late at night and calculating whether he can afford new equipment or a family discussing whether it is worth expanding production. It is also the scene of a young man trying to decide whether to stay here or leave," said Minister Vlajčić, explaining that the importance does not lie in counting millions, but in what these millions really mean to people.
About interventions
Within the framework of intervention 73.06. Modernization of forestry technologies in timber harvesting, silvicultural works and production of forest reproductive material, 18 contracts were signed with a total amount of approved support of EUR 4,933,126.83. Also, within the framework of intervention 73.07. Modernization of technologies in pre-industrial wood production, 14 contracts were signed with a total amount of approved support of EUR 2,692,902.53.
Investments in the above interventions encourage the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the forestry sector and the creation of new jobs in rural areas.
Within the framework of intervention 73.10. Support for investments in primary agricultural production, one contract was signed with a total amount of approved support of EUR 1,661,780.38.
One contract was also signed within the framework of intervention 73.11. Support for investments in the processing of agricultural products, and the total amount of support approved is EUR 3,000,000.00.
Within the framework of intervention 73.12. Support for small farmers, five contracts were signed with a total amount of support approved of EUR 136,628.78.
The objectives for the three interventions from the Strategic Plan under the Common Agricultural Policy include strengthening market orientation and increasing the competitiveness of agricultural holdings in the short and long term, as well as a greater focus on research, technology and digitalization, contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation to these changes while encouraging sustainable development and efficient management of natural resources.
Within the framework of intervention 74.01. Support for public irrigation systems, and within the framework of the second call for tenders, two contracts were signed with a total amount of support approved of EUR 10,343,903.03.
The aim of the aforementioned intervention is to improve the adaptation of production systems in agriculture to climate and environmental conditions and to contribute to stable agricultural production. Within the CAP SP, support is planned for new public irrigation systems, which aims to contribute to the increase in agricultural areas with the possibility of irrigation.
Young farmers
Within the framework of intervention 75.01. Establishment of young farmers, 13 contracts are being signed with a total amount of approved support of EUR 975,000.00.
The aim of this intervention is to encourage the development of a renewed and innovative agricultural sector. The intervention also seeks to encourage a further increase in the share of young farmers, as well as strengthening the competitiveness of their farms, as well as structural transformation and generational renewal of farmers.
Almost 900 applications were received for the last call for applications, which is why the National Network of the Common Agricultural Policy is establishing for the first time a Thematic Working Group for Young Farmers, in which those who live agriculture every day will create future measures and policies.
"When I took office, I made it my personal mission to attract as many young people as possible to agriculture. The more I go out into the field, the more certain I am that we have reason for optimism. I meet young people who have remained on their parents' land, but are working in a completely new way," said Minister Vlajčić, concluding that such stories give hope and show that the Croatian countryside has a future that combines work, knowledge, perseverance and good support from the state.
In addition to Minister Vlajčić, the award ceremony was also attended by the state secretaries of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the director of the Paying Agency for Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, and directors of administrations.