The Ministry of Agriculture presented the final report on the problems of farmers discussed during the November 2023 protests.
The commission to analyze the problems raised by farmers during the November 2023 protests has submitted its final report. The commission's documentation included the files of 121 economic agents who had problems with the fulfillment of payment obligations under contracts with banking or non-banking organizations. The analysis was made on the basis of information received from 6 creditors for 81 economic agents, of which: 4 had no debts to creditors, 13 had fully repaid loans to some creditors; 11 had difficulties but were not able to restore the payment schedule; 4 were able to extend the repayment period; 7 companies appear in bankruptcy case with long periods of arrears, and 13 mediation agreements were applied, etc. The commission noted that the Ministry or any other organization cannot interfere in the relations of banks or other creditors with clients, besides, there is a right to confidentiality, and many banks refused to provide additional information about their actions in relation to economic agents. At the same time, some of the creditors reported debt restructuring based on the analysis. Also, the commission was an intermediary in informing agrarians about the independent entry into bankruptcy procedure, in order to avoid fines and penalties, as well as the possibility of obtaining a certificate of force majeure. Also, the commission reduced the fee for issuing a meteorological certificate from 3,600 to 100 lei and accelerated the procedure of examining the applications for subsidies. As a result of the commission's activity, the government allocated 200 million lei to grain producers to reduce the production costs and make investments. A total of 2209 applications were received, 2161 of which meet the eligibility conditions and requirements, while the total land area amounted to 161,400 hectares. The amount of subsidies amounted to 1248.2 lei/ha. At the same time, 50 million lei were allocated from the Intervention Fund for corn producers affected by drought in the summer of 2023, as well as for those who in Edinet district lost their main means of production as a result of the July 2023 hurricane. They will be distributed in accordance with the Regulation on the establishment of the procedure for providing financial assistance to farmers affected by natural disasters. To assist small and medium-sized farmers, the government also initiated negotiations for a grant of about $2 million for the implementation of the "Fertilizers Supply to Farmers" project, and through another dialogue platform, under FAO's Emergency Support to Farmers Program, fertilizers and seeds were distributed to 1,224 farmers and households cultivating up to 10 hectares in several districts of the country. The total and ongoing support is estimated at about $3 million. Indirectly, the measures taken have also led to stabilization of agricultural prices. // 12.02.2024 - InfoMarket.
