Shtip, 19 April 2023 (MIA) – The highest scientific and political body in the decision-making sector for agriculture has been scheduled for May 10, according to Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Ljupcho Nikolovski. It will focus on the European agenda in this sector, and 45% of the EU’s budget goes to agriculture.

“The bilateral and elaborating screening follows in June. I believe that science will also recommend ways to increase production, as well as our harmonization with the EU,” Nikolovski said.

He said that record purchase prices of agricultural products, especially for rice, wheat and hops, have been noted, thanks to the measures implemented for farmers last year.

Education for young people in this sector was one of the topics of discussion as well. Young people and women involved in agriculture and animal husbandry are the targets of measures from 2022-2024.

“We are signing contracts with 25 new interns studying agricultural, veterinary and forestry sciences. The total number of interns in the Ministry will be 50, 4th year university students or recent graduates, who will receive 70% of the minimum wage,” Minister Nikolovski said. He added that the scholarships for students in these disciplines amounting to Mden 18,000 per month for nine months will continue.

Minister Nikolovski also announced a program for students in vocational high schools in order to increase the number of students in food production departments.

“We are starting a 2-month campaign in May, the biggest informative campaign for the new IPARD 3. We are the first country to start the new 5-year period of IPARD 5, allocating EUR 120 million for farmers, before any other country in the region,” the Minister said.

Over the next two months, they will be in the field to explain the biggest call for agricultural modernization and the best way to utilize these European funds. dk/sk/

Photo: MIA

Video: MIA