According to the indicative timetable of the new Rural Development Program 2014-2020, (RDP) next year will begin the reception of 16 measures in total. The first one will open in the beginning January (Sub-measure 19.2) and under it, local initiative groups with population up to 15, 000 people will be able to submit projects. Its maximum budget will not exceed 1 000 000 Euro for the entire duration of the program and for groups with a larger population - up to 1 500 000 Euro.

During July 2016 opens one of the most attractive business measures - "Investments in agricultural holdings" (Sub-measure 4.1), under which will be financed up to 50% of the total amount of eligible expenses. The sum will increase by 10%, 15% or 20% for the different categories of projects: for example for young farmers; for collective investment, investments in agricultural holdings performing agri-environmental commitments, for organic producers and others. The minimum amount of eligible expenses under one project is 15,000 Euro and the maximum – 1 500 000 Euro. Especially for investments as agricultural equipment the maximum amount of eligible expenses for one candidate during the implementation period of the program is 500, 000 Euro and for collective projects submitted by more than 10 agricultural producers and producer organizations - 1 000 000 Euro.

On the long-awaited business Sub-measure (4.2) - "Investments in processing / marketing of agricultural products" (which is to be opened within a few days - on November 30th to December 18th 2016) project proposals will be accepted again during October next year. It is targeted to the processing industry and will support investments in production technologies, buildings, new machines and equipment, vehicles, implementation of international standards as well as energy production from renewable energy sources, but only for own consumption.

Some of the important for the small farms and municipalities measures will start in March - "Agri-environment and Climate" (with a total budget, nearly 223.4 million Euro for the entire duration of the program), "Biological Agriculture" (nearly 151.6 million Euro), "Animal Welfare"(almost 56.9 million Euro)," Payments under "Natura 2000" and the Water Framework Directive (nearly 139.7 million Euro).

During April applications under Sub-measure 6.3 "Start -up aid for the development of small farms" will be accepted as part of the thematic sub-program for the small farms. Assistance under it amounts 15,000 Euro and will be carried out in two tranches. The first - of 10,000 Euro is granted immediately upon approval of the application and the second - after checking the implementation of the business plan.

Unfortunately, 2016 will be another (third) zero year for one of the most important for the micro business in the small towns and villages Sub-measure (6.4) - "Investment support for non-agricultural activities."

The indicative timetable for the opening of measures under the RDP during 2016 is posted here.

Note that this is not the final version of the program and changes may apply.

Source: www.capital.bg