The Ministry promises to speed up the payments, in the long run more for prevention

Minister for Agriculture Janez Cigler Kralj announced during the opening of the 64th Agricultural Fair Agra in Gornja Radgona that the government will provide financial assistance to farmers totaling 8.1 million euros due to rising costs of energy and fertilizers. The aid includes 2.7 million euros from European funds and 5.4 million euros from the Republic of Slovenia’s budget. Farmers who are registered and meet specific criteria will receive payments per hectare in the form of direct subsidies. The announcement was made alongside the minister's emphasis on the need for additional measures to alleviate the effects of extreme weather conditions, including drought and heavy rainfall, which have impacted agricultural production this year. The Ministry of Agriculture has already submitted a proposal for an emergency financial aid law aimed at supporting agricultural businesses affected by high fertilizer and fuel prices. Cigler Kralj stated that the funds will be distributed through direct payments per hectare, targeting registered farmers who fulfill the required conditions. Additionally, the ministry has accelerated the process of disbursing compensation for damages caused by last summer’s drought. By August, approximately 8.45 million euros in aid had been paid out, bringing the total state support for drought-related damage to over 16 million euros. Further disbursements for damage caused by livestock losses are expected soon, with more than six million euros allocated for these purposes. During his speech at the fair, Cigler Kralj outlined three key strategic directions for the ministry: digitalization, generational renewal in agriculture, and strengthening domestic food production. Digital tools, according to the ministry, enable better decision-making, lower operational costs, and increased competitiveness. In collaboration with partners, the ministry has developed several digital solutions to support farmers, hunters, and forest management, with plans to further enhance these technologies in the future. Administrative burdens are also being reduced, and procedures simplified to make it easier for farmers to access services and benefits. A major focus of this year’s fair is the resilience of the agricultural sector. The ministry emphasized the importance of preparing for future challenges, particularly in light of climate change. Cigler Kralj highlighted the need for long-term preventive measures, such as irrigation systems, shading structures, and other protective strategies. He stressed that these initiatives must be integrated into the new strategic plan for agricultural policy, ensuring greater investment in prevention rather than just reactive responses. In addition to financial support, the ministry is promoting opportunities for young people entering the agricultural sector. On display at the ministry’s exhibition area were options for education, employment, and vocational training in the field of agriculture. Cigler Kralj noted that young farmers require access to land, knowledge, financial resources, and modern infrastructure to ensure successful development. The ministry is committed to supporting younger generations through targeted programs and partnerships with educational institutions and industry organizations. New digital solutions for hunting and forestry were also presented during the fair. The Ministry of Agriculture, together with the Slovenian Forest Agency, introduced an electronic book of game shooting and loss records. This system allows for continuous and accurate data entry, improving the efficiency of managing wildlife populations. One notable feature is the tagging of harvested game with tags and QR codes, enhancing traceability from capture to final owner. These innovations are part of the broader “e-Forestry” project, which aims to create a more connected and user-friendly system for hunters, forest owners, and public authorities. The fair also featured international participation, with Algeria serving as the guest country in recognition of the International Year of Pastureland Keepers. Due to the severe drought and heatwave, pasturelands in Algeria have suffered significantly, leading to shortages of feed for livestock. Cigler Kralj visited the affected areas near Kranj and pledged state support, urging farmers not to sell their animals. He called on consumers to support local food products, though he acknowledged that this might be challenging given typical consumer habits. The fair included numerous expert sessions on topics ranging from digitalization in hunting to sustainable food supply chains and the presence of pesticides in fruits and vegetables.