Prime Minister Pivić and Minister Čajić with agricultural producers: Creating the highest quality incentive program

(Patria) - Prime Minister of Zenica-Doboj Canton Nezir Pivić and Minister for
Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Jasmin Čajić discussed with
representatives of the Association of Agricultural Producers of this canton about
the needs and expectations of agricultural producers from this year's
agricultural incentive program, which is in preparation.

Prime Minister Pivić emphasized that strengthening domestic agriculture is one of the
fundamental policies of the government he leads, and the goal is to increase the volume
of production, reduce imports, but also ensure a more secure supply of the market with quality
domestic products. This, as he said, is also shown by the continuous
increase in the budget for incentives, as well as the constant adaptation
to the needs of producers through the creation of new incentive measures.

- We have understanding and we strive to create implementable
incentive programs and fulfill our obligations. Cantonal budgets leave
very little room for creativity, as about 70 percent is already reserved
by fulfilling constitutional and legal obligations, but we strive to spend available
funds prudently and direct them where they are most needed - said
Prime Minister Pivić, noting that the budget for incentives was increased last year
through a rebalance.

Minister Čajić stated that the budget for incentives this year is planned at
the amount of 9.7 million, of which 2 million is planned for projects

for the reclamation of agricultural land, and this is only part of the accumulated
earmarked funds collected from land conversion fees.

- We have started drafting the incentive program and will not finalize it until we
receive input from producers. We want to jointly identify the branches of
agricultural production that require significant support.

We will strive to create the highest quality program within the available
budget for incentives, and if we have additional funds available, we will direct them to incentives, in order to further strengthen and
stabilize agricultural production and our canton - said
Minister Čajić at the meeting, which was also attended by the Mayor of Breza Municipality
Vedad Jusić.

Representatives of the Association of Agricultural Producers of ZDK thanked
for the support, saying they expect help and stronger support in 2026,
since the funds from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina level are insufficient and irregular, and that the relevant federal ministry is late with the payment of 40 million KM
in incentives to farmers in this entity. They pointed out that the situation is particularly difficult in the dairy and meat industries, due to inflation and the enormous increase in production costs.

From the Government of ZDK, among other things, they also expect support for the spring sowing and for cooperatives in this canton.