Farmers have received 1.09 billion lei in subsidies so far this year, which is by 17% more than in the similar period last year, says the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry.

Of the total amount, 86% has been offered directly to farmers, and 12% has been distributed through local authorities. Another 2% was the state’s contribution to the Vine and Wine Fund.

Investment in the development of post-harvest and processing infrastructure accounted for 18% of the disbursed subsidies, or about 200 million lei. Another 213 million lei was granted towards loan repayment. For buying agricultural machinery and equipment, the state contributed 160 million lei.

The Agency for Agricultural Intervention and Payments has 704 applications for subsidies under examination. Until September 30, farmers may request subsidies for a number of purposes, such as to stimulate access to investment credits or for working capital; stimulate promotional activities, stimulate the use of irrigation systems, to develop ecological agriculture, to implement good agricultural practices, to clear perennial plantations, to provide advisory services and training in agriculture, or stimulate aggregation in producer groups.