The procurement of agriculture machinery will be an integral part of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance in Rural Development (IPARD) programme as of next year, with EUR 14 million projected for this purpose, said Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Zoran Konjanovski on Saturday.

"We are aware of the need of additional assistance for procurement of machinery, which was in the focus of talks with EU officials. As of next year, farmers will be able to procure machinery by way of co-financing and through the IPARD programme. About EUR 14 million are projected for this purpose in the period of 2013-2016, funds aimed towards agricultural development", said Mr. Konjanovski during a visit to farmers in the village Ivankovci near Veles.

According to him, the objective is to accelerate modernization through increase of the support, reflecting on the general development of Macedonia's agriculture sector.

"Investing in machinery is one of the fundamental factors for agriculture development. In parallel with subsidies, the Government dedicates much attention to this segment", added Konjanovski.