New state aid for the storage of fruit and vegetables

The Management Board of the State Fund „Agriculture“ approved a financial resource of BGN 3.6 million for 2019 under the scheme „Aid for investments in tangible assets in agricultural holdings related to the primary production of crop agricultural products“.

The new State aid was approved by the European Commission on 01.04.2019. Its period of validity is until 31.12.2020. The notified maximum budget under the scheme for the period in which it will be applied is up to BGN 7.2 million. Half of this amount, totalling BGN 3,600,000, is allocated for this year.

The scheme was developed at the proposal of the branch organizations in the „Fruit and Vegetables“ sector. The financial support will cover part of the costs for machinery, equipment and lines for preparation, cooling and storage of primary agricultural products. The purpose of the support is to encourage farmers to make investments to improve the overall productivity and sustainability of their holdings and, in particular, to reduce production costs.

The aid covers up to 50% of the investment costs for such equipment, but not more than BGN 120,000. It is provided in the form of a capital subsidy to cover part of the costs for the implementation of investments in machinery, equipment and lines for preparation, cooling and storage of primary agricultural products in the „Crop production“ sector.

Applicants under the scheme may be farmers registered under Ordinance No 3 of 29 January 1999 for a period of at least three (3) years prior to the date of application, as well as producer organizations and groups in the „Crop production“ sector, recognized by an order of the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.

Guidelines under the scheme are to be approved, after which applications will be opened for submission.

Source: State Fund „Agriculture“ - PA