The farmers will receive subsidies in full by the end of June, and next week the Ministry of Agriculture will host a discussion on the law on sale of farmland to foreigners, Agriculture Minister Achim Irimescu told on Tuesday protesters in Bucharest's Izvor Park, near the Parliament Palace. Romanian farmers have been protesting since noon against the delay of payment of subsidies and the postponement of some essential laws.
"We already have a project under discussion [on the sale of farmland] but I expect you, the representatives of producers, to come and agree upon it together, because it is a law mainly to your benefit. It is a must to consult, as we always consulted with you and with the Parliament and its two committees of agriculture on all legislative acts. It is very important for a law not to be passed without your consent. I propose that we agree next week on a draft law to promote as fast as possible," said Achim Irimescu.
Asked whether farmers would receive their subsidies, the agriculture minister replied, "Absolutely."
"I am really sorry this situation has come about. We have to admit that the delay is not imputable to the current Government. We have tried to recoup and we have recouped a lot of the delay," said Irimescu, adding that the payments in animal breeding will also begin next week.
Another topic discussed by with the protesters was the Hunting Law, which must be amended in order to reach a balance between farmers and hunters.
Chamber of Deputies Agriculture Committee Chairman Nini Sapunaru, along with a few fellow parliamentarians, also addressed to farmers, announcing them that work was in progress on a series of relevant laws.
"We announce you that we are going to exempt from tax, in the first five years, the fresh cooperatives. Also, Mr. Minister has announced us that under the negotiations with the European Commission there is a possibility to intensify the financial support to European cooperative projects, taking it up to 80-90pct," said Sapunaru.
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