Agricultural subsidies will be fully paid out as of next week to those beneficiaries who are meeting the legal conditions, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski told the representatives of farmers’ associations at Friday’s meeting in the Government building.

“The interlocutors discussed the procedure of paying out agricultural subsidies which came across certain challenges caused by technical reasons. The Prime Minister said the issue had been discussed at a recent government session after which the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management reported that the challenges had been addressed and the cases had been completed. PM Gruevski told the representatives that the Government based on this information had decided as of next week to start paying out these subsidies to all beneficiaries who are meeting the legal conditions".

At the same time, it was agreed the payment of subsidies for cereal crops from the 2014 yield to begin in November in line with the subsidy payment calendar. Moreover, the interlocutors discussed the upcoming start of purchase of rice and tobacco from this season’s yields expressing their commitment to taking all necessary measures in a bid to create quality environment for the realization of purchases as a way to respect the interests of the involved parties.

“PM Gruevski underlined the Government’s strong commitment to and focus on providing conditions and opportunities continuously for growth and development of agriculture. He said agricultural development was a strategic objective of the Government vowing that farmers could always count on government support".

Welcoming the government’s decision on fully paying out the subsidies, the farmers’ representatives said the funds would contribute to the development of Macedonia’s agriculture.

“The interlocutors praised the cooperation established between state institutions and agricultural subjects underscoring their commitment to further improvement of all spheres of interest for the agricultural sector in the country,” said the Government’s PR sector about today’s meeting between the Premier and representatives of farmers’ associations. Other projects, measures and activities related to agriculture were also discussed.