The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is the European Union's answer to questions about food security, the sustainable use of natural resources and the balanced development of rural areas. Its aim is to help to ensure a decent standard of living and stable, diverse and secure protection for EU farmers and processors. The common agricultural policy should contribute to job creation and economic growth, the fight against climate change and the promotion of sustainable development.
"The goal of the state of Serbia, on the path of European integration that requires a lot of adjustment, is to help domestic farmers to start applying the elements of the CAP as successfully as possible, which not only requires great changes but also provides great opportunities for those who are ready to change," said the Head of the Department for European Integration in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Milanka Davidović, opening the round table "For successful and strong agriculture in Serbia".
A promotional film featuring five agricultural producers from different branches talked about how they founded their family farms, the path they have taken to date, as well as the obstacles and successes along the way.
In the continuation of the event, the participants in the film, in conversation with the representatives of the Ministry and the EU Delegation, stated where they see opportunities, but also obstacles for further development, what support they expect from the state, and how much help they received through domestic measures or on the other hand, through direct EU support for agriculture and rural development - IPARD funds.
Farmers, among whom were several beneficiaries of European funds, but also those who took the initial steps with the help of national measures, agree that such help is not only welcome but also necessary. They stated that family farms cannot survive on their own, that they need association, but also help with the placement of goods.
Program Manager of the EU Delegation for Agriculture and Rural Development Laszlo Arendas emphasized that the goal is to bring the EU agenda closer to farmers in Serbia in order to adjust as easily as possible in the EU accession process. Arendas stated that the goal of the EU representatives in Serbia is to devise a way to reach all farmers, to explain to them all the benefits they will have, as well as the benefits that are already available, such as IPARD funds.
Since 2000, the EU has donated 230 million euros for agriculture and food safety in Serbia, and the main areas of assistance are environmental protection, human health, food safety, animal welfare, and keeping the soil in good condition.