8 million euros less, support for agriculture, benefits for farmers halved

From the agricultural support scheme, an average farmer is expected to benefit from around 478 euros this year. This year, the number of beneficiaries has increased, but the available fund is smaller than in 2024. As a result, the increased applications halve the amount that an average farmer will benefit from.

"The amount of money available to farmers is very low, excluding free oil for agriculture, the remaining amount is 43% less than the amount provided in 2023. One of the points states that if the number of applications is greater for a scheme, then a proportional division is made, in this case the farmer with 10 cows will receive less than what is due to him," emphasized expert Gjok Vuksani.

With 44 million euros and a billion lek available, 8 million less than a year ago, according to experts, there is a strong reason why it is impossible to promote further agricultural and livestock development.

"A much smaller number than 4-5 years ago, which was about 6 thousand applications for subsidies. This shows that the number of farmers engaged in cow breeding and the number of cows has been reduced," emphasized Gjok Vuksani, a lecturer and expert on agriculture.

"According to an assessment by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development last year, it turned out that the needs of the sector were 100 million euros. And this does not include agro-processors. We know that the needs are very large," said agricultural expert Esmeralda Ballesha.

Experts in the agricultural sector estimate that in addition to the available funds, the scheme should also aim to create mechanisms to guarantee the sale of farmers' products.

"This is because, despite the support, if the product is not sold, the farmer is destined to go bankrupt. Money is wasted in vain," said expert Ballesha.

The regions with the highest number of beneficiaries and disbursement of funds from the National Agriculture and Livestock Scheme this year are expected to be Vlora, Fier, Korça, Gjirokastra and Berat. (A2 Televizion)