Country context
• Scheduled for accession to the EU in January 2007
• Agriculture employs 44% of the total labor force
• Utilized agricultural area is 62% of the total area
• Agriculture accounted for only 13% of GDP in 2000
Government strategy and World Bank response
• …to create a competitive and efficient national agricultural sector that is in compliance with EU requirements
• CAS 2002-2004: increased research and extension aimed at integrating small households into commodity and input markets
• MAKIS: improve the competitiveness of farmers and agro-processors in the EU accession environment
Training and Information Center (TIC)
• Gather knowledge on agricultural technologies to meet farmers needs and EU requirements
• Develop relevant extension packages and training modules
• Train extension agents and provide accreditation• Train food safety inspectors• Train researchers for integration in the European
Research Area• Develop and implement an integrated IT system
Research
• Establish two national reference laboratories for:– EU nitrates and sludge directives
– Testing for the presence of GMOs
• Reform program for core public research services:– Safe plant nutrient management practices
– Producing authentic virus-free materials for horticultural and vegetable crops
– Field crops research program for plain and upland areas
– Safe animal nutrition and feeding systems
Advisory services / extension
• Improving the existing public advisory system
• Contract extension activities
Food Safety Agency
• Institutional capacity building• National reference laboratories: for
veterinary hygiene and public health; and analysis of animal feeding stuffs
• Regional laboratories• Border Inspection Points• Animal welfare – demonstration and
training facility