UPPER HOUSE REJECTS BILL ON INCENTIVES IN AGRICULTURE, FISHERY

ZAGREB, Jan 30 (Hina) - The House of Counties rejected a bill on incentives in agriculture and fishing industry on Tuesday. Deputies of opposition Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) said the suggested increases in incentives for certain crops were "cosmetic changes aimed at preventing farmers to take to the streets." The bill envisages the introduction of new incentives for the production of oats and indigenous white fish species and increased incentives for some crops such as corn, soy, sugar beet and olives. It decreases incentives for the production of bone meal. HDZ deputies also refused the regulation under which incentives would be granted only to those farms which produce certain crops on an area of at least three hectares. They estimated that the regulation would stimulate agribusinesses while bringing small farm households and areas with little arable land to the brink of poverty. Liberal Party's deputy Ankica Mamic disagreed, saying the regulation introduced serious criteria, which will help establish who really wants to work in farming and cattle breeding. The upper house tonight rejected a bill on work time for retail shops and supported bills on the protection of consumers, civil servants, associations and crafts. (hina) rml