The assistance from Hungary proves to be valuable for farmers in Republika Srpska. Thanks to subsidies from the Hungarian government, many farmers and processors have acquired new equipment and machinery. In the first public call, Hungary allocated approximately nine million euros in non-repayable funds for 641 farmers, while in the second call, 1,579 producers and processors from Republika Srpska and the Brčko District applied for 24 million euros.
The favorable subsidies from the Hungarian government were utilized by 32-year-old Vojislav Lukić to purchase a trailer and a corn harvesting adapter.
“It’s a very positive development because 70 percent are rejected on the spot. It’s truly beneficial from the Hungarian government. We paid just under 46,000 BAM for the trailer, and it will cost us around 13,000 BAM, which is a significant difference,” recounts Lukić.
In order to remain competitive in the market, every form of support is invaluable. The company “Jelena” from Kozarska Dubica procured a subsoiler and disc harrows in the first round, and in the second, they applied for a control probe.
Due to climate change and a shortage of labor, upgrading production with modern machinery is inevitable.
“I purchased a six-row corn planter, costing approximately 22,000 euros, and Hungary contributed 25,000 euros for me. In any case, this investment pays off, considering the high cost of these attachments,” says Draško Lazić from Bistrica near Prijedor.
In the second public call, the highest demand was for the highest quality and most expensive equipment and machinery. Producers and processors seized the opportunity to purchase necessities that would have been otherwise inaccessible without subsidies, which reached up to 25,000 euros.
“For the new public call that closed on November 4, and for which we are currently reviewing applications, the expert evaluation has already commenced. Out of the 1,579 submitted applications, 24 million euros in non-repayable funds were sought, significantly surpassing the framework outlined by the Foundation, which holds a signed agreement with CED,” emphasized Andrea Јaglica, director of the Foundation for Sustainable Development of Republika Srpska “Progresus.”
So far, within the framework of the first public call, three-quarters of the equipment and machinery have been delivered. An amount of 8 million 900 thousand euros was disbursed for the purchase of equipment and machines valued at around 13 million euros. Eligibility for non-repayable assistance was limited to registered agricultural producers and processors.
