The European Commission plans to strengthen Slovenia's rural competitiveness through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
A senior official at the Slovenian Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry and Food told Devex Early Intelligence that over the seven-year period, the commission will promote vocational training in agriculture and forestry, support early retirement of workers and assist young farmers.
The EC will also invest in agricultural holdings enhancement, infrastructure, strengthening the economic value of forests and processing of agricultural and forestry products in the country.
Improving the quality of food production and marketing agricultural products, along with support to food production groups will also be funded under this plan.
The commission has set aside an indicative 900 million euros (US$1.2 billion) to finance the activities for 2007-2013.
