Agriculture Minister Marija Lukacic promised new measures to help Slovenian agriculture as she delivered the opening address at the 44th International Agriculture and Food Fair in Gornja Radgona on Saturday.
Two years of EU membership have taught Slovenia that the way it can best help its agriculture and food industry is through normative and organisational measures which promote the growth of the sector in the specific domestic consequences, she said.
Lukacic criticised some past legislative and structural changes as "unplanned, failing to take into account the specifics of Slovenian production, processing and market circumstances even though the relevant EU regulations allow us to do that."
She therefore announced changes in all areas, adding that there would be major shake-ups in the sugar and wine sectors.
Lukacic stressed that the government also finally adopted the 2007-2013 strategic plan for rural development, which strives to enhance the multi-purpose role in agriculture.
Moreover, she said that some EUR 1.1bn would be invested in Slovenian agriculture in that period. of which some EUR 900m will be EU funding.
Peter Vrisk, the head of the Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry, pointed out that all stakeholders has to get ready for the phasing of funds in the 2007-2013 period.
He also urged the authorities to take note of the experience gained in the first two years of EU membership and draft practical and implementable laws.
The fair, which runs until 1 September, is starting to recover after several years of decline: the number of exhibitors increased this year, to 1,530, and they come from 25 countries.
Under the motto "Well Cultivated - Well Served" the fair will focus on food, wine, products and equipment for the food processing industry, equipment for the catering industry, seeds and plants, and agricultural machinery.
The guest country is Austria, while Italy, Serbia, Poland and Belgian Flanders will participate with joint presentations of their countries and regions.
Livestock displays will be the focus for agriculture experts. The exhibitions include cattle, pigs and horses. The visitors will also get a chance to see a display on beekeeping and exhibitions of fish, poultry, rabbits and Karst Sheepdogs.
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