IPARD Program 2014-2020

IPARD Program 2014-2020 defines agricultural support measures (the EU Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance for Rural Development and Agriculture) The total budget for Serbia amounts to 175.000.000,00 € for the period from 2014 to 2020. The total investment assistance for the beneficiary amounts to 50% (up to 70%) of the total investment value in the project. IPARD Program measures (the first three concern farmers): And phase:

1. Investments in the physical assets of agricultural holdings
2. Investments in the processing and marketing of agricultural and fishery products
3. Diversification of agricultural holdings and business development
4. Technical assistance

II phase:

1. Implementation of Local Rural Development Strategies – the LEADER Approach
2. Agri-environment-climate measures and the organic farming measure

Investments in the physical assets of agricultural holdings

• The final beneficiaries are agricultural producers or groups of producers registered in the Register of Agricultural Holdings, namely: individuals or legal entitieswith less than 25% of public capital or voting rights held by public authorities.

• Only investments incurred after signing the contract may be paid for, except for feasibility studies and other consultancy costs related to preparing the application;
• The beneficiary is required, during the period of 5 years after final payment, uses the investment for its intended purpose, without substantial changes;
• Users must prove their experience and knowledge in the field of agriculture through: a completed secondary school education in agriculture; at least three years' experience in agriculture (proven through registration in the Register of Agricultural Holdings); a university degree; a completed secondary school education and a written statement that they will attend at least 50 hours of training in the field for which they are applying under the IPARD programme

Investments in the processing and marketing of agricultural and fishery products Eligible users include entrepreneurs and legal entities/companies with less than 25% of public capital or voting rights owned by a public authority, registered with the Serbian Business Registers Agency, and must have active status.

• No later than the final payment, the legal entity must operate in accordance with the relevant national standards relating to environmental protection, public health, occupational safety and animal welfare;
• At completion, the investment must meet the relevant EU standards;
• Along with the application for final payment, the applicant must submit a certificate from the national veterinary, phytosanitary, and environmental protection authorities confirming that the legal entity applies and complies with the minimum national standards, and that the investment meets the relevant EU standards.

Diversification of agricultural holdings and business development

• Registered agricultural holding (individual or legal entity)
• Farmers or household members engaged in agricultural or non-agricultural activities in rural areas
• Small and medium-sized enterprises from rural areas (in accordance with the Accounting Act)
• Economic viability of the investment (business plan)
• Use of the investment for at least 5 years after the funds are paid out (in its original form)
• Investment in accordance with the relevant national standards
• Statement that for the same investment no application has been made for other funds
• Number of beds in the facility up to 30
• Classified facility (Tourism Act) until completion of the investment, before the final payment
• Settled obligations to the state (taxes, social benefits)