IPARD program for agricultural development on offer again this year
67 IPARD contracts signed with Montenegrin agricultural producers for investments in rural tourism
Contracts on the allocation of non-refundable support from the European Union in the amount of 60 to 70 percent of investments in agricultural holdings through the IPARD III program for sub-measure 7.1 were signed today in Podgorica with 67 agricultural producers. A total of 10.6 million euros will be invested in investments intended for the development of rural tourism, of which around 6.8 million euros will be returned to producers.
According to the current situation, the largest number of projects will be implemented in the municipalities of Nikšić, Žabljak and Mojkovac. Most of the investments relate to the construction of facilities for rural tourism and their equipment, with the installation of photovoltaic panels. It is expected that the implementation of such projects will contribute to achieving EU standards, increasing the number of jobs in the northern part of Montenegro and contributing to a higher value of agricultural production.
"We are proud to point out that in the period 2015-2024, through the IPARD program, we implemented 553 placements in the amount of over 40 million euros, and last year alone, 139 projects were implemented in the amount of 8.5 million euros, which, when we talk about the number of implemented projects, is more than in the previous four years and speaks of the commitment of the new management to focus on supporting IPARD projects. We are ready to welcome this call, and this year we also offer the IPARD program for agricultural development, which includes a fixed interest rate of 4% and repayment terms of up to 12 years, with a grace period of up to 4 years, depending on the complexity of the project being financed," said Đuro Kažić, Director of the Credit Sector at Razvojna banka.
The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Vladimir Joković, reminded that this is one of the most attractive measures of the IPARD program for which the general public has expressed great interest, where the total value of eligible costs ranges from 10 to 200 thousand euros. Potential beneficiaries could apply for the construction, reconstruction and equipping of complementary catering facilities for providing accommodation services, facilities for preparing food and beverages, and the development of tourist infrastructure.
"As part of the public call through the IPARD III program, 165 applications for support were submitted. The total value of the requested investments is around 26 and a half million euros (excluding VAT), and the potential amount of support is over 17 million euros. I must especially congratulate these primarily hard-working people who applied and I am very pleased that we have them in this number today,
because I believe that these 67 investments in rural tourism will significantly improve the tourism offer in rural areas of Montenegro, and there will be more, because some beneficiaries are still waiting to declare themselves and complete the documentation," emphasized Minister Joković.
According to Ambassador Sattler, today’s signing of the first €5 million of EU grants out of a total of €63 million committed through the IPARD III programme clearly demonstrates what the European Union stands for and how it improves people’s quality of life.
“This investment will help small businesses, farmers and families to turn their dreams into reality and to make a decent living working on their land in the beautiful rural areas of Montenegro,” he said.
The EU Ambassador said that today’s signing of the first contracts under the IPARD III programme is just the beginning. “We look forward to the European Union’s support for many future initiatives that will continue to transform rural areas across Montenegro into more active and economically productive communities.”
Marko Radonjić, Director General of the Payments Directorate and Head of the IPARD Agency explained; "After the completed project controls, which included both administrative and field controls, after the signing of the first Contracts, the signing is expected to continue during March for successfully assessed projects within this Public Call for Sub-Measure 7.1 of the IPARD III Programme.
Minister Joković thanked the EU partners, the Ministry of Finance and the Development Bank for their proactive action towards the realization of these investments and congratulated all those who submitted applications with the belief that such investments are the foundations for the development of the rural part of Montenegro.