Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Vladimir Joković and Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro Oana Cristina Popa said that the European Commission adopted the IPARD III programme for Montenegro for the period 2021-2027.

Montenegro is currently using the remaining available funds from the IPARD II programme, which can formally be used until the end of 2023, so the funds from the new IPARD III programme will be used after the expiration of this period. In the new programme period, Montenegrin farmers will receive a larger amount of funds, 62% more compared to the previous one, i.e. an additional 63 million euros.

This is a great success for the whole of Montenegro and I believe that the availability of these funds will significantly improve the agricultural sector. By adopting the IPARD III programme, we are sending a strong message that this Government is fully committed to fulfilling all the conditions necessary for Montenegro's full membership in the European Union, said Minister Joković.

Agricultural production and agro-processing in Montenegro should be adapted and improved in order to be ready and competitive for the European market when the country becomes a full member of the EU. Our IPARD programmes give you an additional chance to increase agricultural production and reduce dependence on food imports. I encourage Montenegrin farmers and agro-processors to make full use of IPARD II and the upcoming IPARD III, said Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro Oana Cristina Popa.

The investments which will be supported by the IPARD III programme pertain to the procurement of equipment and machines and construction and reconstruction of facilities, with the aim of reaching EU standards in hygiene, food safety, animal welfare and environmental protection, strengthening agricultural producers for the placement of products in the EU market and preparation for the use of EU funds which will become available to local agricultural producers and processors upon joining the EU.

The IPARD III programme envisages the implementation of new measures which will additionally increase the utilization of the awarded funds, as well as new sectors, new limits of financial support and new specific criteria.