Farmers to Get $16mln under Agriculture Subsidy Scheme

TIRANA, March 3

Agriculture subsidies during 2017 will support new schemes that directly address farmers. The estimated cost for the subsidy scheme for this year is 16 million dollars. The government has completely changed the subsidy’s scheme in the agriculture sector in order to support poor or small farmers. Meanwhile, large-scale farmers may only apply for soft loans from the guarantee fund provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Sources from the Ministry of Agriculture have confirmed that small-scale farmers will gain priority. They are going to receive Lek 1,200 for every goat and sheep they own. Moreover, the government will pay Lek 10 per milk liter to every farmer that has more than 10 cows and Lek 5,000 for each cow.
In the meantime, for the first time, this year will enter into force the subsidy scheme for vegetable growers that own tunnel greenhouses or a considerable produce area that can help them expand their activity.

News Source: ATA