TIRANA, Oct 17 /ATA/The Monitoring Committee for the IPARD II Program 2014 – 2020, a body that oversees the implementation of this program, held its 13th meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The meetings of the Monitoring Committee for the IPARD II Program, pursuant to the Framework Agreement, are held at least twice a year and are chaired by the Minister, in her capacity as the chairperson of this Committee.
The meeting was attended by members of the Monitoring Committee for the IPARD II Program, which includes representatives from associations and stakeholders operating in the fields of agriculture and rural development, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and other relevant ministries, who are eligible to vote. Also in attendance were representatives from all IPARD structures, the European Commission, and the European Union delegation in Albania.
All IPARD structures committed themselves to addressing through concrete steps the gaps and needs identified during the implementation of this program.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Anila Denaj, informing about the meeting, emphasized that the IPARD program supports the agricultural sector and rural development by assisting Albanian farmers and agribusinesses, with a direct impact on employment, improving living conditions in rural areas, and aligning with EU standards.
The IPARD program aims to support the agricultural sector and rural development by promoting economic growth in rural areas, improving the quality of life, and preparing agricultural sectors for the competitive EU market.
At the meeting, all attendees were informed about the implementation of the IPARD II and IPARD III programs in the region; the implementation of the IPARD II program through four calls for applications; the management and control system of IPARD; activities organized as part of communication and visibility, as well as meetings and informational days with farmers, etc.
Furthermore, the stakeholders were informed about the progress of the evaluation activities for this program.
During this meeting, informative materials were also presented regarding the meetings held with farmers, agribusinesses, etc., which can be checked out on the respective websites of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MBZHR) and the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (AZHBR).
The IPARD II Program has supported investments in agricultural machinery and the expansion of cultivated areas; investments in agro-tourism entities; investments in greenhouses; collection points; investments in wineries and vineyards; agro-food processing factories; and the gradual alignment with EU standards, policies, and practices, among others.
The program has provided support for young entrepreneurs (under 40 years old) and women entrepreneurs, creating an enabling environment for the empowerment of young people and women engaged in the agricultural sector.
The IPARD II program has had a direct impact on job creation by generating new jobs related to the diversification of agricultural and non-agricultural activities both on and off the farm.
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