Prime Minister Janez Janša visits the International Fair of Agriculture and Food

The AGRA Fair brings together in one place all those who contribute to shaping the Slovenian countryside through their expertise, work and perseverance. Direct contact with farmers is therefore important for understanding the challenges facing Slovenian agriculture today, as well as for drafting measures that respond to their actual needs. During his visit, Prime Minister Janez Janša emphasised that the Slovenian farmer is not just a food producer, but also a steward of the land and a vital pillar of rural life. He believes that securing the future of Slovenian agriculture relies not only on financial resources, but above all on people and their expertise, hard work, sense of responsibility and commitment to carrying on the farming tradition.

The Prime Minister has announced a series of measures aimed at addressing the challenges faced by farmers. Next year will see significant changes to agricultural policy. In collaboration with agricultural organisations, the Government will work to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles and promote the development of agriculture and rural areas in Slovenia. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of supporting young farmers who are taking over family farms, as  well as providing assistance to those in need. "The Slovenian farmer is the steward of the land and one of the key pillars of rural life. During this term, the Government will devise measures to enable farmers to earn a decent living from their work and encourage young people to recognise the opportunities and future prospects of farming," the Prime Minister stressed.

The Prime Minister also drew attention to the importance of generational renewal in Slovenian agriculture. In order to preserve a populated and vital countryside, high-quality locally produced food and a well-cultivated Slovenian landscape, we need to create conditions in which farming is seen as a viable development and lifestyle choice for young people. "At the AGRA Fair today, the spotlight is on the people who shape the Slovenian countryside every single day. Their expertise, work and perseverance are the foundation of food security and the preservation of the countryside," said the Prime Minister. 

Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of food security and domestic food production. In an era of growing economic, geopolitical and other uncertainties, the country's ability to produce the largest possible share of its own food supply is one of the key elements of national resilience. AGRA remains an important meeting point for the Slovenian agricultural, food production, forestry, and rural affairs sectors. It is also a place where tradition, expertise, new technologies and development opportunities converge. This year's 64th International Fair of Agriculture and Food in Gornja Radgona is taking place from 22 to 26 August. The visit to the fair also provided an opportunity for the Prime Minister to discuss matters directly with representatives of the agricultural sector, hearing about their experiences, challenges and expectations first-hand. When planning future measures, the Government intends to prioritise the needs of those who tend to Slovenia's land, produce food, and sustain life in rural areas on a daily basis. The future of Slovenian agriculture is secure.