Decision No. 460 approving the Strategy on Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries 2021-2027.

The Strategy on Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of the policy is 7 years between 2021 and 2027. The purposes of this policy are (I) to ensure the sustainable development of the agri-food sector to meet the needs of people facing medium and long-term challenges related to food security, livelihoods, climate change, and biodiversity loss, and (II) to develop rural households and become more competitive in rural areas, based on policies that support sustainable use of natural resources, efficient use of agricultural and fishing inputs, and agricultural knowledge and innovation.
This policy lays down actions to develop the agriculture, food, livestock and fisheries sectors in a sustainable and effective way, based on innovation and digitalization, in order to better cope with the pressures of the national and international markets, as well as, with the challenges related to climate change, biodiversity, and the green economy through the sustainable management of natural resources, and to contribute in improving the quality of life of residents and ensure rural development. To this end, this policy addresses the main economic, environmental and social challenges, with a special attention to gender equality and young farmers and entrepreneurs, and sets out cross-sectoral strategies: (I) strengthening institutional and administrative capacities in the fields of agricultural and rural development, food safety, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, sustainable management of fishery resources, protection of the environment, sustainable management of natural resources, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation and mitigation, and (II) transfer of knowledge and innovation, agricultural research, and extension services.
Sustainable food production and quality will be promoted through the development of a competitive and innovative agri-food sector. The economic sustainability and resilience of farms will be increased through financial support. Investments will be attracted for the modernization of equipment and mechanization for processing and marketing of agricultural products, the development of infrastructure, and the support for young entrepreneurs and producers' organization, in order to increase the competitiveness and market orientation of the agri-food sector. The responsiveness to consumers' demands for safe, nutritious and sustainable food will be improved through the harmonization with EU standards, with a special emphasis on Farm to Fork Strategy, in the fields of food quality and safety, and animal health in terms of the use of veterinary drugs, AMR, hygiene, and HACCP. Climate change adaptation and mitigation will be integrated into all relevant sectors in order to increase the resilience of agriculture, land, water, food, livestock, fisheries, forestry, and energy sectors, strengthen the sustainable management of natural resources, reduce the greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, and protect forests and forestry resources. Sustainable use and management of land resources will be strengthened by taking measures to prevent erosion and improve fertility of agricultural lands, improving the management and use of pastures, and by promoting organic farming and good practices. Sustainable forest systems will be improved through investments in afforestation and promotion of sustainable agroforestry systems. The sustainable development of marine and inland fisheries will be promoted by strengthening fisheries management, protecting living marine resources and limiting the environmental impact of fishing. Moreover, this policy lays down strategies for conserving fish stocks and reducing IUU fishing, protecting biodiversity and marine and coastal ecosystems, supporting the processing and marketing of fishery products, providing high quality, safe, nutritious and sustainable food to consumers, supporting small-scale fisheries, improving the capacities of institutional and administrative structures, and strengthening monitoring, control and surveillance of fishing activities in the Adriatic Sea. In addition to that, this policy addresses the sustainable management of aquaculture to improve competitiveness in the markets and support coastal communities. Blue growth will be improved through research and innovation, investment in new maritime businesses and the bioeconomy, including sustainable tourism models, which can create jobs and provide socio-economic and cultural support for coastal communities. The social-economic structure will be improved in rural areas by increasing rural employment and business development, creating employment opportunities in the non-agricultural sector, and supporting rural start-ups. The grants will be provided for both male and female farmers and small-scale food producers in rural areas, and rural businesses and young and women entrepreneurs.