The grants are available to young farmers (18 to 40 years) looking to start their first farm. Candidates need to have the right education, and they have to buy or take over a farm with at least six hectares of land. Alternatively, they have to maintain at least 15 livestock units or 60 honeybee colonies. Much emphasis is being placed on a well-written business plan.

Their funds are split into two parts. 8.4 million euros will be granted to young farmers who are looking to create employment for themselves on the new farm. 3.6 million euros will be allocated to other beneficiaries. Applicants must complete the necessary forms within three weeks and submit them to the Agency for Agricultural Markets between August 24 and September 18.

The Agriculture Ministry expects 400 potential beneficiaries to apply. Young farmers have meanwhile voiced frustration that the program is too socially oriented and not enough developmentally oriented. They also bemoaned the fact that only young farmers who have owned a farm for less than 18 months can apply. However, they applauded the fact that a lot of money is available.

The Slovenian Rural Development program is worth 1.1 billion euros. Brussels will contribute 838 million euros towards the sum, the rest will be provided by the Slovenian government. Minister of Agriculture and Environment Dejan Židan stressed that young farmers who will take over a farm and work full-time will get a one-off grant of 45,000 euros, while those working part-time on the farm will be granted 18,600 euros.

Slovenia will spend just shy of 61 million euros over the lifetime of the project.

A. Č.; translated by D. V.