According to plans, the project should start in spring 2016 and the amount of funds secured for the agricultural households will depend on the manner and quality of co-organisation among the parliament, media and the civil society.

Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Committee Chairman Marijan Risticevic believes that IPARD projects are especially important for small agricultural households.

“It is a mistake to believe that small households have no future in Serbia. The IPARD funds enable these households to specialise and become economically sustainable”, stressed Risticevic.

Environmental Protection Committee Chairman Dr Branislav Blazic said that the advantages of the IPARD programme should also be viewed as a chance to improve environmental protection within the spheres of agriculture and rural development.

The parliament plays a key role in the entire process because, according to the Chairperson of the Serbian Parliamentary Energy Policy Forum Prof. Dr Aleksandra Tomic, the MPs should set the framework necessary for the farmers to become eligible for the subsidies and improve their business dealings and competitiveness.

Ivana Stefanovic Ristin of “Leader Plus” and Vesna Vandic of the “National Leader Network” spoke about the role of IPARD funds.

Click here to watch the press conference on IPARD Programme Serbia 2014-2020: Role of Civil Society, Parliament and Media.