The European Commission notes progress in the sector of agriculture, food safety and fisheries in the latest Progress Report on Macedonia.

As Agriculture Minister Ljupco Dimovski stated for MIA, the EC notes increase in support to the rural development, implementation of IPARD programme, adoption of national strategy for organic production as well as realization of programme for health care of animals…

The EC evaluated the preparations in the area of horizontal issues are advanced. As regards the setting up of an integrated administration and control system (IACS), the land parcel identification system (LPIS) is operational. Registration of land parcels continues and now extends to the majority of declared holdings, Dimovski said.

As regards to increase the absorption of IPARD funds, EC notes on continuation of preparation of new measures, technical assistance and rural infrastructure as well as strengthening the staff and capacity of the Agency for Financial Support for Agriculture and Rural Development.

The EC noted adoption of the national support programme for agricultural and rural development for the period 2013–2017 and of the national strategy for organic production and the action plan for 2013-2020. The report also noted that organic producers receive top-up payments worth an additional one third of conventional production.

Good progress was made in the area of food safety and veterinary policy, in particular regarding the implementation efforts of the Food and Veterinary Agency and the introduction of the risk-based system for official controls, the EC report reads. As regards general food safety, a new food safety strategy (2013–2015), an internal audit plan (2012-2016) and a general crisis management plan were adopted, Minister said.

In the area of veterinary policy, the Agency continued to provide regular updates on control systems of imports and import requirements for live animals and animal products.

In the area of food safety rules, implementing legislation aimed at alignment with the acquits was adopted. Progress in noted in sector of fisheries. As regards state aid, the 2013 allocation for financial support for fisheries and aquaculture increased by one fifth (to €1.46 million).

The government is actively committed in establishing formal international agreements on sustainable management of water resources with the neighboring countries although due their inertness the agreements have not been signed yet, Minister Ljubco Dimovski told MIA.