Agricultural subsidies are to be regulated by a new law. The legislative initiative establishes the granting of financial support from the National Fund for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Environment. Another provision concerns the implementation of the Strategic Program of Agricultural Policy. The draft law has been examined by members of the Agriculture and Food Industry Committee and will be submitted to the Parliament for approval in the first reading, IPN reports.

The draft law partially transposes two EU regulations. This is necessary to ensure a coherent system for the management of agricultural funds and interventions, as well as consistency with the objectives of the European Union's agricultural policy. It is also intended to improve the competitiveness of the agricultural sector and farmers' access to new technologies, markets and sustainable farming practices, the legislature's press release said.

The money from this year's 1.7 billion lei National Fund for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Environment will be provided to develop rural infrastructure, promote innovations in agriculture, modernization of farms, etc.

The document stipulates the procedure for submission and examination of applications submitted by applicants for financial support. The maximum deadline will be 90 days, but not less than 30 days. To receive direct and annual payments, beneficiaries will have to comply with environmental, public health and animal welfare standards.

The Strategic Agricultural Policy Program will be approved by the Government for a six-year period and will set out intervention strategies, indicators, conditions and financial resources.

The legislative initiative belongs to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry.