4. Eligible measures

 4.1 Measure 1 “Investments in agricultural holdings”

The overall objective of this measure is to improve the structure of agricultural holdings, improve efficiency by reducing the costs of production, encourage acquisition of modern equipment and technologies, improve the quality of production, increase the competitiveness of Lithuanian farms and agricultural enterprises, and increase the level of income of the farming population.

This measure is in compliance with CAP objectives, such as: a competitive agricultural sector, safe production with quality products, vibrant rural communities generating employment and opportunities, environmentally sustainable production preserving natural resources and heritage.

It is aimed at larger farms or groups of farmers and advanced agricultural enterprises whose financial and economic viability can be demonstrated, where investments would be efficient and could be justified by greater returns resulting in sustainable development of economically strong agricultural units.

Successful implementation of this measure directly contributes and serves achievement of objectives under Measure 2 “Improving the processing and marketing of agricultural and fishery products”.

4.2 Measure 2 “Improving processing and marketing of agricultural and fishery products”

In general, the main objectives of Measure 2 is to support the restructuring (concentration and rationalization) and modernisation of agri-food industry, improvement of quality of the processed products, to introduce innovative and effective production methods, and make progress towards achievement of EU hygiene, sanitary and veterinary requirements. Support to such investments, therefore, will contribute to increased competitiveness and higher added value of agricultural products. The measure will cover dairy, meat, grain, fruit and vegetable, flax and fisheries sectors.

This measure will be carried out in compliance with CAP objectives, such as: a competitive agricultural sector, safe production with quality products, clear connection between input to agriculture (support) and output (benefits to society).

4.3 Measure 3 “Development and diversification of economic activities, providing for multiple activities and alternative income”

Measure 3 will aim to support non-traditional activities and services in rural areas, in order to create additional employment and generate additional income for rural inhabitants.

Development of rural businesses and alternative activities in rural areas is rather slow and has to deal much with an attitude of rural inhabitants. Countryside activities are still viewed limited to provision of milk and meat and the agriculture itself is still a way of life rather than business. Also, farmers often lack of basic business and marketing skills, which would let them to diversify activities and to present their products. However, in certain areas of Lithuania, where natural conditions impose constraints to natural agriculture, alternative rural business activities advance more, and such positive trends should be especially encouraged.

This measure will be carryed out in compliance with CAP objectives, such as: vibrant rural communities generating employment and opportunities, clear connection between input to agriculture (support) and output (benefit to society).

4.4 Measure 4 “Improvement of rural infrastructure”

The main objective of this measure is to support the creation and renovation of rural infrastructure. More specifically, investments in accordance with this measure will be focused towards development of water management in rural areas, road and electricity infrastructure.

This measure complies with CAP objectives, such as: vibrant rural communities generating employment and opportunities, simple, transparent decision – making process, clear connection between input to agriculture (support) and output (benefits to society).

4.5 Measure 5 “Afforestation of agricultual lands and improvement of forest infrastructure”

A relatively large number of private forests owners are farmers, therefore forestry is closely linked to the rural development issues. Because of the surplus in agricultural production, forestry can be seen as one of the solutions to enhance rural development. Some farmers may see an opportunity to shift from agricultural production to forestry.

Increased afforestation of abandoned agricultural land is considered an important activity to reduce dependency on agriculture and to improve environmental conditions in rural areas.

This will positively influence landscape diversity and stability. In a broader international perspective, a modification of land-use towards an increased share of land with a more permanent plant cover, will contribute positively to present policies on climate change through carbon sequestration, and by promoting sustainable forest management, also biodiversity can be positively affected.

4.6 Measure 6: Environmentally friendly agricultural methods

The main objective of agri-environmental programme is to decrease negative impact of agriculture on the environment, restore traditional landscape and increase biodiversity and to prepare measures that ensure normal economic and social conditions for rural population.

The measure will be applicable in two pilot areas. One pilot area was chosen in intensive agriculture area. Specific pilot area has been selected in Rusne Island that is the biggest one in the Nemunas river delta.

Taking into account the complexity of the measure and its nature of pilot action, all the further required details of this measure will be defined and this measure shall be implemented provided that consultation and agreement with Commission is reached

4.7 Measure 7 “Vocational Training”

With regard to training, under this measure, it will be designed to prepare farmers for qualitative reorientation of production, the application of production practices compatible with the maintenance and enhancement of the landscape, the protection of the environment, hygiene standards and animal welfare and acquisition of the skills needed to enable them to manage an economically viable farm.

Training courses will be focused on the following six areas: new technologies of agricultural production; business economy, management, financial accounting; environmental protection, ecological and preserving farming; alternative businesses in rural areas; co-operation and development of businesses; teaching in the field of information technologies and foreign languages.

4.8 Measure 8 “Technical Assistance, Information and Publicity Campaign”

The aim of the technical assistance will be to create a close partnership between the Commission, national authorities, social and economic partners for preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the measures, undertaken by the RDP. It is expected that such technical assistance by the Commission will help to speed up the national institutional building and will strengthen administrative capacity.

Actions taken for the purposes of information and publicity will be aimed at informing potential beneficiaries and professional organisations of the assistance available, as well as for informing the general public of the Community’s role in relation to the aid.