Head of department: Igor Ahačevčič

E-mail: igor.ahacevcic(at)gov.si

TASKS OF THE DEPARTMENT

• Preparation of forms and instructions for applicants
• Harmonisation with MAFF and preparation of proposals of regulations
• Provision of information to advisors and applicants
• Preparation of capture methodology and data calculation
• Testing the IT application operation
• Performing administrative controls
• Data entry and handling
• Issuing of 1^st instance decisions
• Solving 1^st instance complaints
• Reporting to MAFF and EU
• Cooperation with national and foreign organisations 

MEASURES AND PURPOSE

The Department implements the following measures: agri-environmental measures (SAEP), Agri-environmental payments (AEP), compensatory payments for less favoured areas for agricultural activity (LFAs) and early retirement.

Agri-environmental measures (SAEP)

Agri-environmental measures undoubtedly have positive effects on the environment by reducing negative effects of the agriculture on the environment as well as by maintaining the existing state. Their aim is a long-term improvement of natural resources in Slovenia. Agri-environmental payments are intended to partly cover costs of additional work arising from the compliance with special requirements for an individual measure. The measures have a positive effect on the rise of the educational structure and qualification for the implementation of sustainable ways of farming.

Agri-environmental measures are divided in three groups according to their purpose:

a) Reduction of adverse affects on agriculture:

• Reduction of erosion in fruit cultivation and wine-growing
• Maintenance of crop rotation
• Greening of fields
• Integrated agriculture
• Integrated fruit cultivation
• Integrated wine-growing
• Integrated horticulture
• Organic farming

b) Maintenance of natural conditions, biodiversity, soil fertility and traditional cultural landscapes

• Mountain pasture
• Mowing of steep pastures
• Mowing of bumpy meadows
• Meadow orchards
• Breeding of indigenous and traditional breeds of farm animals
• Production of indigenous and traditional varieties of crops
• Sustainable breeding of farm animals
• Maintenance of extensive grassland

c) Conservation of protected areas

• Maintenance of cultivated and populated landscape on protected areas
• Farm animals breeding in the central area of large carnivores habitat
• Maintenance of special grassland habitats
• Soil coverage in water protection zones
• Permanent green cover and green fallow 

Agri-environmental payments measure (AEP)

The purpose of the agri-environmental payments measure (AEP) is to promote agricultural production that meets consumers’ needs and protects human health, ensures sustainable use of natural resources and facilitates a reduction of negative impacts of agriculture to the environment. Agri-environmental measures preserve natural conditions, biodiversity, soil fertility and traditional man-made environment, and safeguard protected areas.

Agri-environmental payments are being implemented within 3 groups:

Group 1: Reduction of negative impacts of agriculture to the environment

• Maintenance of crop rotation
• Greening of fields
• Integrated fruit growing
• Integrated wine-growing
• Integrated horticulture
• Integrated arable farming
• Organic agriculture

Group 2: Maintenance of natural conditions, biodiversity, soil fertility and traditional man-made environment

• Mountain pasture
• Mowing of steep meadows
• Mowing of bumpy meadows
• Meadow orchards
• Breeding of indigenous and traditional breeds of farm animals
• Production of indigenous and traditional varieties of crops
• Sustainable breeding of farm animals
• Maintenance of extensive grassland

Group 3: Conservation of protected areas

• Breeding of farm animals in the central region of big carnivore appearance 
• Maintenance of special grassland habitats
• Maintenance of butterfly grassland habitats
• Maintenance of bedding
• Maintenance of bird habitats in humid extensive meadows in the territories of Natura 2000
• Soil coverage in water protection area

Of particular importance are the education of farmers, servants in public administration and public institutes, and the promotion of measures and products intended for general public (providing public information on the importance of agri-environmental measures and education of consumers on the quality of sustainably produced agricultural products and foodstuffs).

Compensatory payments for less favoured areas for agricultural activity (LFAs)

Compensatory payments largely contribute to the growing income of farmers in the less-favoured areas for agricultural activities and areas with environmental restrictions. In connection with the basic principles of good agricultural practice this measure also contributes to further use of agricultural areas and the preservation of local communities and rural areas, the preservation and maintenance of sustainable farming systems and ensuring farming in less-favoured areas, however, it also provides positive social effect on the habitation preservation.

Compensatory payments can be allocated to the following agricultural holdings (hereinafter referred to as: KMG):

• Mountain-altitude KMG
• KMG-mountains
• Steep KMG
• Karst KMG
• Ridge-hilly KMG
• Various less favoured conditions (other KMG)
• Basic KMG (KMG not included in the elaborate with their land classified in the list of LFA for agricultural activity included in Annex 8 to the RDP)

Early retirement

Early retirement mainly improves the age structure on farms. By paying annuity to transferors the economic situation of agricultural holdings included in the measure is improved.