13.08.2024

Today, in a solemn ceremony at the Ministry for Communities and Return, Minister Nenad Rašić  has signed 57 contracts with grant beneficiaries, which will finance projects within the grant scheme "Strengthening the Competition of Agriculture in Kosovo" for the year 2024. This program is divided into two lots: Lot I for start-ups and Lot II for existing enterprises and farms. The total value of Lot I is 400 thousand euros.

Grant aims to increase the level of employment and encourage economic development in non-majority communities by providing support to those engaged in the agricultural sector. This initiative aims to help improve working conditions and create new opportunities for individuals who are part of these communities, thus contributing to the sustainable development of the local economy and promoting healthy competition in the agricultural sector.

During the ceremony, Minister Rašić expressed his satisfaction for the opportunity that these grants offer to the beneficiaries and emphasized the importance of this program for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in Kosovo. He underlined that these funds will help strengthen the capacities of producers and provide opportunities for increasing productivity and innovation in agriculture.

"We are committed in supporting the economic development and increasing employment opportunities in non-majority communities. These contracts are an important step towards the realization of these goals. We are confident that the project will bring visible results and help raise the standard of living for many individuals," said Minister Rašić.

Minister Rašić also emphasized that the Ministry will maintain a database for the work and progress of all beneficiaries. This mechanism will help monitor the progress of the projects and ensure that the beneficiaries have continuous support throughout the period of the implementation of their projects.

"We will closely follow the development of the projects and provide support for any challenges that the beneficiaries may encounter. Successful projects that fulfill all their plans will have the opportunity to apply every two years for the expansion of their business if they need more support," he added.

Participants in this program will have the opportunity to apply for grants that help purchase necessary equipment, improve infrastructure and develop new technologies that will help increase efficiency and competitiveness in the agricultural sector.

In his conclusion, Minister Rašić was optimistic about the success of the funded projects and believes that this program will contribute to the sustainable development and improvement of living conditions in the communities that are involved in this initiative.