BFC. Agriculture Finance Bulletin.
13) USAID, Ministry of Agriculture launch loan guarantee program December 12th, 2019, https://www.danas.rs/ekonomija/usaid-i-ministarstvo-poljoprivrede
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ministry of Agriculture launched a USD 90 million loan guarantee program for the food industry. The overall objective of the 12-year program is to support business development and generate new investments in the agricultural sector, with a specific focus on food production and processing. A part of the funds have also been earmarked for start-up companies (those in business for three years or less), women-owned businesses and companies operating in underdeveloped areas. Qualifying loans under the program can be used for the purchase of land, buildings or necessary equipment. USAID will also provide free technical assistance to loan beneficiaries. The program will provide a 60% guarantee on qualifying loans.
14) Closing ceremony for the Supporting the Use of EU IPARD Funds project held December 9th, 2019, http://uap.gov.rs/zavrsna-svecanost-povodom-zatvaranja-projekta
A closing ceremony for the Supporting the Use of EU IPARD Funds project was held in Belgrade earlier this month. The project, which leveraged the expertise of 16 specialists, supported efforts to prepare accreditation packages under IPARD II measures 1, 3, 7 and 9. The project also organized two study visits for 28 participants on the implementation of IPARD II measures 7 and 9 as well as the implementation of the Communication and Visibility Plan, which was designed to better inform the general public about support opportunities provided by the IPARD Fund.
15) Eur 20 million to finance climate mitigation and resilience projects December 9th, 2019, https://www.ebrd.com/news/2019/ebrd-and-gcf-boost-climate-finance-for-serbian-smes.html
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the government of Luxembourg are providing EUR 20 million in financing for climate mitigation and resilience projects. Funding will be made available (through UniCredit Leasing) to small- and medium-sized enterprises interested in investing in high-performing technologies that improve the use of energy, water and land resources in Serbia. Specifically, leases will be made available for investments in technologies such as energy-efficient agricultural, commercial, drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting equipment.
16) Project to strengthening animal health and welfare systems December 6th, 2019, https://agrosmart.net/2019/12/06/jacanjem-zdravlja-i-dobrobiti
The European Union (EU)-funded Strengthening the Animal Health and Welfare System project works to support the Veterinary Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture in aligning Serbian legislation with EU legislation and standards in the field of animal health and welfare and biosecurity. Currently, the project is helping the Veterinary Directorate develop an animal disease control strategy as well as carry out targeted campaigns, monitoring and surveillance programs. The project is also supporting the development of an animal emergency plan.
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