Skopje, 15 November 2022 (MIA) – We can ensure sustainable food systems, fight against degradation of agri-systems and improve people’s lives, move to a cleaner, safer and healthier future only through joint efforts and mutual cooperation, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Ljupcho Nikolovski told a meeting with Southeast Europe counterparts on Tuesday. Minister Nikolovski took part at the 16th meeting of SEE agriculture ministers in Budva (Montenegro), also attended by German Minister of Food and Agriculture Cem Özdemir, discussing the enhancement of regional cooperation among SEE countries and identifying mutual needs and interests to reach the strategic objectives of the Western Balkans Green Agenda, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy said in a press release. “North Macedonia has proved itself as a serious partner of the European Union through the implementation of IPARD programmes. With over 97 percent of IPARD II use, more than 300 agreements signed with IPARD II beneficiaries and almost 2,000 payments, the European Commission has decided to increase the funds for the country from EUR 80 million to EUR 97 million, which together with our contributions goes up to EUR 210 million for agriculture development investments over the next seven years,” said Nikolovski. He added that the country has made enormous progress in aligning its national legislation with the EU Acquis in the field of agriculture, as well as through amendments to the set of laws and bylaws aimed at harmonizing with the latest developments. “The new draft-model of agriculture subsidies represents another harmonization by replacing the old system where farmers received subsidies without showing proof of production. Farmers will now have to prove their production and distribution and the focus is put on the crops and products that are significant for the country”, noted Nikolovski. In the framework of the meeting, the ministers of North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo and Montenegro signed a Communiqué, which aims to create a regional platform for information exchange and building common platforms for soil protection in the Western Balkans. “We will work together on identifying soil degradation in the region through its monitoring, followed by drafting of policies focused on sustainable soil management, exchange of cross-border practical experiences, development of public databases and knowledge platforms. Through this we jointly contribute to improving productiveness and ensuring eco-system services, healthy and available food, access to water resources, leading in turn to protection of biological diversity and adaptation to climate change,” concluded Nikolovski.