Agriculture and Fishery executive committee meeting was held

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the findings in the Progress Report 2013 as well as the actions taken by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development (MAFRD) and the Food and Veterinary Agency (FVA) regarding the implementation of challenges that have emerged from the Progress Report.

In this context, is assessed the progress in the agricultural sector regarding the
alignment of primary and secondary legislation with the EU`s acquis. However, it was requested to further engage in improving the legal infrastructure and the adoption of new draft laws which specifically regulate the sector of agriculture, forestry and food safety.

Regarding the agricultural and rural development sector, was positively assessed the commitment to improve advisory services by undertaking accelerated steps in the secondary legislation as well as in further functionalization of advisory services through Advisory Information Centres.

Also, it was requested to increase efforts of central and municipal institutions toward the improvement of advisory services. Regarding protection of agricultural lands, the protection of land from change of the land destination without any criteria, still remains a challenge, while consolidation of agricultural land, beside the municipality of Vitia, will also continue in other municipalities.

Regarding the sector of Forestry, is assessed the commitment of the Kosovo Forestry Agency (KFA) in protecting forests from illegal logging by cooperating with municipal assemblies. Since forest management competences are delegated to the municipal authorities according to the Ahtisaari’s package, however, illegal logging are continuing, therefore it is requested that all relevant institutions (MAFRD, municipality and MESP) to coordinate as best as possible to protect forests from illegal logging and protect them from fires. This issue will be regulated with the new Draft Law on Forests.

Regarding food safety, it is assessed the engagement in addressing the challenges emerging from the Progress Report, but the transfer of municipal inspectors under FVA, accreditation of the Food  Laboratory as well as the updating of statistical data in the Identification and Registration System (imports, movements, slaughter, etc.) still remains  challenging. Among others, is requested that the transfer of inspectors to be conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Finances, MAFRD and Municipalities. Also, the adoption of the Strategy for advancing agro-processing enterprises is a priority aiming the categorizing of all agro-processing enterprises.

For advancing the concerned sectors, it is requested to further strengthen the administrative capacities to implement the legislation at both local and central level. For all developments, EU`s assistance, through TAIEX and other forms of support for all sectors mentioned above, it is highly appreciated. Within the conclusion of the meeting, it was emphasized that all issues raised should be the priority of responsible institutions which will undertake necessary steps for addressing the challenges identified within the Progress Report 2013.