Mandatory training in agroecology and organic farming

Farmers who undertook commitments under Measure 10 “Agri-environment-climate” and Measure 11 “Organic farming” in Campaign 2015 must complete agri-environmental or organic training by 31 December 2016 or authorize another person to implement the agri-environmental and/or organic activities. A document certifying completed training or experience, as well as a notarized power of attorney (in the case of authorization), must be submitted no later than when applying for payment for the third year of the commitment, Campaign 2017.

Farmers may authorize another person to implement the agri-environmental and/or organic activities, provided that the authorization is made by the end of the second year from the first approval under the respective scheme. This means that the notarized powers of attorney of these persons must be issued no later than 31 December 2016. A document certifying completed training or experience, as well as a notarized power of attorney (in the case of authorization), must be submitted no later than when applying for payment for the third year of the commitment, Campaign 2017.

At present, many of the applicants under Measure 10 and Measure 11 have still not submitted documents proving that they have fulfilled the requirements. The documents are submitted to the regional directorates of the State Fund “Agriculture” at the place of application. Farmers may submit a document for completed agri-environmental or organic training with a minimum duration of 18 hours, issued by a training institution in accordance with the Higher Education Act or the Vocational Education and Training Act, or a document for a demonstration activity, issued by a training organization approved under Measure 1 “Knowledge transfer and information actions” of the RDP 2014–2020.

Documents for completed training or documents certifying the existence of experience under Measure 214 “Agri-environmental payments” of the RDP 2007–2013 are also recognized, as well as diplomas: for secondary vocational or higher education, for the educational and scientific degree “Doctor” or the scientific degree “Doctor of Sciences”, with a qualification in agriculture or veterinary medicine.

Farmers implementing Measure 11 “Organic farming” may also prove experience with a certificate or written evidence of compliance of their plant or apiculture products with the rules for organic production. The certificate must be issued by 31 December 2016 by a control body approved by the Minister of Agriculture and Food and must certify the organic quality of the products.

Where the farmer has been a beneficiary under Measure 214 “Agri-environmental payments” of the RDP for the period 2007–2013 and has already submitted a document for completed training or has proven the existence of experience, it is not necessary to submit the same document again.

In cases where, under Measure 214 “Agri-environmental payments” of the RDP 2007–2013, a document was submitted in the name of an authorized person, the aid applicant must provide a current notarized power of attorney, issued no later than 31.12.2016, confirming that in the 2014–2020 programming period the same person will carry out the agri-environmental or organic activities on his holding.

The State Fund “Agriculture” calls on all beneficiaries who have already completed training and possess a document that meets the requirements of the measures to submit it to the Fund.

The State Fund “Agriculture” may terminate its commitments to beneficiaries who do not submit documents that meet the specified requirements and deadlines. In such cases, they may be required to repay 100% of the subsidies received so far.

Source: State Fund “Agriculture” – PA