Program APF 2021

• Sofia Declaration
• Green Agenda for the Western Balkans
• IPARD III
• Impact of COVID-19 on agriculture, food and rural areas in the Western Balkans
• Research, innovation and technology transfer in the Western Balkans
• Agri-Environmental aspects of sustainable grape and wine production in the WB
• LEADER approach – from policy set-up and instruments towards effective implementation

Working Group 1: Diversification of economic activities in rural areas through tourism

To develop rural tourism, relevant authorities should enable cross border cooperation, Area-Based Development (ABD), trade facilitation and easing border crossing to result in regional tourism products of the Western Balkans. Rural areas should be jointly promoted as green, attractive, safe and secure travel destinations. A functional waste management system must be put in place. Capacity building initiatives should support the increase of ICT use and inclusion of territorial products in the tourism offer. Tourism support policies and territorial planning should be implemented coherently and following an evidence-based approach at the central and local level. Tourism development should follow the principle “value over volume”. Policies and regulations should encourage short supply chains and the provision of local and traditional products. The categorization of rural accommodation facilities should be harmonized. The Forum calls for stable and long term financial and technical support to improve rural infrastructure, education, and the quality of services. Revenues from tourist taxes should be used locally to address diverse problems in rural areas. Destination management should be an obligatory function of municipal bodies and institutions in charge of supporting tourism locally.

Working Group 2: Sustainable grape and wine in the Western Balkans

The Forum confirmed that the wine sector shall contribute to achieving general economic and environmental goals. Improving competitiveness and reducing the environmental impact of the wineries should be the highest priority for the WB. Efficient management of energy and natural resources such as soil and water remain key factors for sustainable development. The wine sector continues to aim at high-quality wine. Furthermore, access to research, innovation and knowledge encourages wineries to improve their grape and wine production. Raising awareness on the major challenges for integrating sustainable grape and wine production in the Western Balkans, including its linkage with rural tourism, is the first step ahead. Promotion and information campaigns are needed.

Working Group 3: The LEADER approach in the Western Balkans

The Forum recognizes LEADER as a strong instrument to activate local democracy. Leader measures under the IPARD III program should contribute to the improvement of the socio-economic life of the local community, the improvement of public spaces, environmental standards in LAG’s areas and promotion of renewable energy use by the local community. The communication with the relevant authorities and stakeholders should be improved to accelerate the process of accreditation of the LEADER measure. The Balkan Rural Development Network and national rural development networks should articulate their positions to national ministries and EU institutions. Networking among Local Action Groups (LAGs) should be enhanced through the national rural networks. To sustain the enthusiasm of the LAGs and strengthen their capacities, national schemes should complement IPARD (LEADER-like measures). Technical Assistance IPARD measure should support potential LAG’s to be ready to apply for the LEADER approach. The roadmaps to LEADER – a straightforward action plan for implementation of LEADER in each WB country should be followed on three levels: institutional, national rural development network members, and LAGs. The Forum recommends that besides the existing IPARD beneficiary countries, all other WB countries should be included for support through the IPARD.

Working Group 4: Agricultural knowledge and innovation systems in the Western Balkans

The Forum emphasize the importance of fully establishing Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems in the Western Balkans based on national action plans, incorporated and integrated into the national strategies for agriculture and rural development and coordinated at the regional level. Immediate action is needed to strengthen the cooperation and interaction between policymakers, farmer-based organizations, the private sector, education, research and extension services. The Forum strongly advises the national authorities in the WB to consider the implementation of the proposed IPARD measure “Cooperation for Innovation and Knowledge Transfer”. Agri-food Centers of Innovation and Entrepreneurship should be established, while internet broadband connectivity in rural areas needs to be enhanced to facilitate digitalization.

Vrnjacka Banja Agenda 2021

1. Krzysztof Sulima -APF 2021-Green Agenda

2. Zeljko Vasko – APF 2021 COVID-19 influence

3. Charalambos Kasimis -APF 2021-Plenary Session

4. Lutz Van Elk – APF 2021-Plenary Session

5. Mariusz Legowski – APF 2021-LEADER Plenary session

6. WG1 Policy Recommendations Rural Tourism

7. WG2 Policy Recommendations Wine

8. WG3 Policy Recommendations LEADER

9. WG4 Policy Recommendations AKIS

10. WG1 Dori Pavloska Gjorgjieska – Progress and next steps

11. WG1 Andjela Lazarevic_ExploreBalkans-Promotion

12. WG1 Miroslav Ivanovic – Trainings

13. WG1 Natasha Lazovska – EDGE Grantees

14. WG1 Suzana Djordjevic Milosevic – Policy recommendations

15. WG2 Berthold Seitz_Sustainable grape and wine production in Germany

16. WG3 Petar Gjorgievski_Comunity Development Program as a model for CLLD

17. WG4 Tilman Reinhardt – Agricultural Policy Dialogue Germany – Western Balkans