The Agency for Financial Support in Agriculture and Rural Development has approved 40 out of the 74 applications at the third public call for use of funds from the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance for Rural Development (IPARD) programme 2007-2013.

Conclusion of the co-financing agreement is ongoing, with total investments amounting to EUR 4,3 million.

Agency director Toni Dimovski said applications were submitted for three measures - investments in agricultural holdings to restructure and upgrade to EU standards, investments in processing and marketing of agriculture products to restructure and upgrade to EU standards, and development and diversification of rural economic activities.

The Agency concluded 63 agreements following the first two calls, for investments totalling at about EUR 8 million.

A fourth public call for IPARD funds was published on July 16, whereas the deadline for submitting applications is August 30. In addition, IPARD info-days are ongoing, aiming at acquainting farmers with the possibilities and manner of using programme funds.

In line with the 2011 plan for publishing public calls, a fifth one is planned this October.