Devoted process for implementation of quality agricultural policy based on human capacities with their expertise, who have to be well educated and trained on the way to EU is needed. Greater intersectoral cooperation and dialogue involving all stakeholders, as well as investments and consistency in the cycle of policies is also needed.
These are part of the recommendations of today’s 12 session of the Working group 1-“Agriculture and rural development” (Chapter 11) of the National Convention for EU in the Republic of North Macedonia (NCEU-MK) on topic: ““Between challenges and opportunities: The agricultural policy of North Macedonia on the path to EU accession” that was held in Skopje.
On today’s session the experts jointly agreed that greater investments in agriculture as well as better organization of the farmers is needed, as well as investments in human capital, among others, measures directed towards young farmers, managers and institutions.
The need for improvement of the aligning with EU policies was emphasized, as well as bigger intersectorial cooperation, implementation of the Green Agenda, distribution of proper resources for programs and the measures for environment, but also the investments for the structural reforms should be continued.
The need for regional cooperation among countries of Western Balkans was also highlighted, but also the need for upgrading the regional cooperation among countries in Western Balkans and the need for significant investments so that balanced regional development can be established, but also mobilizing of knowledge for local communities in innovative projects is necessary.
The eviction of young people from rural areas is worrying therefore, as speakers emphasized at today’s session, it is necessary for measures for their stay to be undertaken.
The experts pointed out the Macedonian legislation in regards to agricultural policy is not behind others in the region, even though additional effort for implementation of the necessary reforms on the way to EU is needed.