The project “Preparation of IPARD sector analyses in Bosnia and Herzegovina“ was officially launched yesterday in the European Union Delegation to BiH in the presence of a number of representatives of institutions active in the sector.

The European Union provided 500.000,00 Euro through its IPA funding for this project which is implemented by the United Nations Organisation for Food and Agriculture (FAO). The project beneficiaries are BiH Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, Entity Ministries of Agriculture and Brcko District Department for Agriculture. The project provides for the elaboration of sector analyses, comprising following sectors – milk, meat, fruit and vegetables, including the wine sector, crops and diversification.

Mr. Johann Hesse, Head of Operations Section for Economic Reform and Natural Resources in the Delegation of the European Union to BiH, Mr. Gerold Boedeker from FAO, as well as representatives of MoFTER BiH, Entity Ministries of Agriculture and Brcko District BiH, addressed the attendants, stressing the significance of sector analyses for creation of future policies in the sector of agriculture and rural development in BiH.

A major contribution to the project implementation and preparation of sector analyses shall be provided by the Agriculture and Food Faculty from Sarajevo, Agriculture Faculty from Banja Luka and Agronomy and Food Technology Faculty from Mostar.

According to the key stakeholders, the project will be an example of good practice and cooperation of institutions in achieving development goals.

The process of elaboration of sector analyses will be completed by December this year thus meeting one of the preconditions for the use of EU funds from the fifth component of IPA funds (IPARD), once BiH obtains the status of an EU candidate country.