Prilep, 29th June 2012 (MIA) – Today, tobacco growers from Prilep received funds from paid subsidies for the purchased tobacco from last year’s harvest, being transferred to their account yesterday.

Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Zoran Stavreski, who, together with Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, Ljupco Dimovski, were assured that payment was realized without any problems, said that tobacco growers were transferred EUR 10 million yesterday, and additional EUR 4.5 million today.

– This additional financing completes the payment for the tobacco purchased through the three largest companies – Prilep Tobacco Plant, Sokotab from Bitola and Alijansa from Kavadarci. Starting Monday, around EUR 5 million will be additionally transferred for the purchased tobacco to Strumica Tabak, Centrotabak from Veles, as well as other companies. Thus, tobacco growers receive what the Government has promised, Stavreski said.

Minister of Agriculture pointed out that there were no problems as regards the payment of subsidies and they were paid within the legally set deadline. Out of EUR 21 million as subsidies, around EUR 14 million is to be paid in Prilep region.

– It is my pleasure to underline that payment of subsidies is realized with no problems, thus completing the payment for the harvest. Now we are looking at the new harvest, Dimovski said.

He announced that solutions will be sought for the problems tobacco growers face due to the pouring rain that damaged part of the crops.

According to the estimates of the Union of Tobacco Associations, due to shortage of seedling, harvest can be lower by 25% this year.

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