A total of 275 young farmers are expected to enter the sector in the next two years with state support, sending optimistic messages about the course of rural development, said today the competent Minister Nikos Kougialis, announcing 250 new investments, with a budget of over € 100 million.
"We are moving forward with the Rural Development program with our investment measures. I hope that in September, October at the latest, the approvals for our investment program will be given, 250 - 260 new investments that concern a budget of more than € 100 million, of which 50 will be paid by the state through the rural development program. ", Said the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Nikos Kougialis, answering questions from journalists after a wide meeting at the Presidential Palace for the energy center in Vasiliko.
This "will give a new impetus to our rural economy", he said, adding that there is a huge interest in the sheep and goat sector and in particular in supporting the effort we are making for the halloumi.
"That is, the production of goat and sheep milk will be strengthened and at the same time 275 young farmers will enter the profession within the next two years, will receive financial support from the state and I am sure that all this interest is encouraging and sends optimistic messages for the course. of the rural economy, "he said.
Asked if the agricultural economy has entered a new phase, Mr. Kougialis said that he believes that "it has entered a growth pace and its results will be seen within the next two years."
Besides, Mr. Kougialis said that the payment of the state aid to our breeders has been completed, around € 4 million have been paid as aid due to the damages from last year's drought as a capital subsidy and we are here to examine any problems that arise in the field of rural economy.
It was an additional compensation than the one we had given to our farmers. We had paid € 18 million to farmers and another 4 additional breeders for the drought in 2016, he concluded.