Lithuanian farmers will also be able to apply for support for the modernization of farms in 2023.
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About 38 million euros will be allocated for this. That's all that remained of the record amount - 105.3 million euros - intended for the recent call for applications under the activity area of ​​the Lithuanian Rural Development 2014-2020 program "Support for investments in agricultural holdings".
In previous application periods, the budget was usually half that amount.
This time, according to the Minister of Agriculture Kęstutis Navickos, taking into account the changed situation in the markets, with the breakdown of supply chains, it was decided to allocate a record high amount of support, so that everyone who is determined to invest in production could do so as soon as possible and experience the least possible competition for suitable project financing.
In August and September, 350 applications for investment support for 67.25 million euros were received. Therefore, the total balance of funds allocated and unused for the application period amounts to 38.04 million euros.
"The remaining millions will not have to be returned to the European Commission, so they will be used for next year's invitation to invest in agricultural holdings. These investments help farmers to purchase efficient, modern agricultural machinery, to equip modern farm buildings that meet the requirements of environmental protection and animal welfare.
"They also give farmers a competitive advantage. After using the support to modernize the farm, less hired labor is needed, better work results are achieved, and not only funds are saved, but also time is saved", observes the Minister of Agriculture.
The most active applications for the modernization of farms this time were submitted by applicants from meat cattle breeding and other livestock and plant breeding sectors. Applicants from dairy cattle breeding and horticulture, horticulture and berry growing sectors were less active.
Decisions on the redistribution of funds to sectors will be made after evaluating the results of the last collection of applications and the need for funds for individual sectors. ■