Pardon Our Dust
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The NPRD is intended as a powerful tool to increase agricultural competitiveness by attracting foreign investment, supporting existing farmers and providing sustainable development of the agriculture resources. Pending approval from the European Commission, the NPDR 2014-2020 has recently generated a heated debate among central figures in the agribusiness sector.
Asked to step in and clarify some of the major topics of this debate, Nadia provided a comprehensive outlook on the objectives of the NPRD and the results farmers may expect once the Plan is implemented, the most notable of which is the land registry execution at the national level.
“Romanian authorities intend to use European funding for the land registry. Government leadership has reaffirmed commitment for the completion of this objective, without which Romanian agriculture cannot develop significantly,” said Ms. Crisan.
Nadia also touched upon irrigation infrastructure and its main component in need of financing under the state budget. “Given that the European Commission has agreed to allocate the necessary funds for TIER 2 infrastructure only if it is connected to the main system, it is essential that the Romanian Government progress towards full reconstruction by 2017. This can only be achieved by state funding under the national budget and I understand the Agriculture Ministry has this among its top priorities.”
Land compacting and subsequent farmer incentives to develop this approach are equally important for the development of Romania’s agriculture.
As chairman of the Agri-Business, Food & Tourism Task Force in AmCham, Nadia has taken part of the active dialogue with central authorities and has pointed out the strategic measure needed to be taken by the Government in this respect.
“More than 800,000 farmers are to receive a subsidy of 40 Euro per hectare if they commit to associate and compact the land under their ownership, leading to 5 hectare parcels. This means that those choosing to compact their land instead of sale or lease can expect a 120 percent collection of the surface related payment from the state. It is a clear sign of an integrated and up-to-date approach to land use, which allows Romania to better capitalize on its agricultural potential,” said Ms. Crisan.