ZAGREB, June 14 (Hina)- A discussion on the Report on the Consolidation of Agricultural Companies which the majority of MP's estimated as too coslty and without prospect, ended the Croatian parliament's two week session.
ZAGREB, June 14 (Hina)- A discussion on the Report on the
Consolidation of Agricultural Companies which the majority of MP's
estimated as too coslty and without prospect, ended the Croatian
parliament's two week session. #L#
MP's mostly expressed negative points for the consolidation of
agricultural companies to date accusing the government of using tax
payers' money to keep huge "socialist mammoth" companies on the
scene instead of stimulating family farms.
Zeljko Malevic of the Socialist Democratic Party (SDP) gave a
positive evaluation of the consolidation so far.
Family businesses will be given an opportunity to partake in the
privatisation process of these agricultural giants and enter into
their ownership structure, Malevic said responding to claims that
the consolidation of the agricultural sector discriminated against
small family farms.
Malevic further added that without these large agricultural
companies to back them up, family businesses could not survive.
Deputy Agriculture and Forestry Minister Tomislav Ledic rejected
the alleged discrimination of family farms. He emphasised that
large agricultural companies had their place in the Croatian
economy and acted as support for farmers and producers of raw
agricultural products.
He reminded that in the past four to five years, family farms were
approved approximately 1 million euros in loans. These loans are
not being paid back and the government is considering re-
programming them while a new line of loans will be made available.
The Sabor will vote on the Report on Wednesday in continuation of
its 23rd session.
(hina) sp sb