ZAGREB, April 25 (Hina) - Presenting a series of objections and proposals, party benches in Croatian parliament on Thursday discussed a bill on state incentives for agriculture, fishery and forestry, which is in the first reading.
Opposition MP's frequently pointed out the difficulties faced by farmers following Croatia's access to the WTO and their poor chances in competition with highly productive agricultures in EU countries.
ZAGREB, April 25 (Hina) - Presenting a series of objections and
proposals, party benches in Croatian parliament on Thursday
discussed a bill on state incentives for agriculture, fishery and
forestry, which is in the first reading. Opposition MP's frequently
pointed out the difficulties faced by farmers following Croatia's
access to the WTO and their poor chances in competition with highly
productive agricultures in EU countries. #L#
Voicing support for the bill, party benches of the ruling coalition
pointed to the urgency to improve the bill before the final vote.
The bill was presented to the Sabor by Agriculture and Forestry
Minister Bozidar Pankretic.
Pankretic said that the reform of the system of incentives was one
of the inevitable steps in the process of establishing a
competitive agricultural sector.
He noted that general objectives were harmonising incentives for
all beneficiaries, the competitiveness of products, an acceptable
living standard for farmers, and the preservation of rural land.
This year's state budget foresees 1.7 billion kuna (around US$0.20
billion) for incentives in agriculture, Pankretic said.
The Sabor today adopted a draft strategy on agriculture and
forestry in its first reading. The strategy is part of a draft
development strategy called "Croatia in the 21st Century".
(hina) sp sb