Preface

The Ministry of Agriculture of Lithuania has in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 1268/1999 of 21 June 1999 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 2759/1999 of 22 December 1999 laying down detailed rules for its application – and other legislation referred to in these – prepared and submits the SAPARD Plan of Lithuania.

The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for drawing up the SAPARD Plan and for its implementation.

The document has been prepared in close collaboration between the Commission and the competent authorities and bodies and the economic and social partners at the appropriate level designated by the Government of Lithuania. Rural Business Development and Information Centre has been taking a leading role in the elaboration of the Plan. The Ministry of Agriculture has been main co-ordinating body. Local authorities, as well as economic and social partners, have taken part in the process of the elaboration of the Plan: their consultations were provided on priorities and actions selection and implementation. Inter-ministerial committee has supervised the process.

This document intends to present the elements of agriculture and rural development which, considering the capabilities and the commitments of the country, determine the objectives and the means connected to the objectives in order to enable Lithuania to qualify for the use of the assistance provided in the pre-accession SAPARD programme by accepting and applying the relevant norms of the EU.

The bases of the completed SAPARD Plan are the Programme of the Government of Lithuania, the Lithuanian Agricultural Strategy, the Preliminary National Development Plan and the National Agri-Environmental Programme. The aid measures are in conformity with the obligations assumed in the accession partnership and are consistent with the principles of the National Programme for the adoption of the Acquis. The measures are in line with the provisions of the Europe Agreement including the regulations regarding state aid; and with the objectives of the CAP especially the common market organisations and the structural measures of the community.

Upon acceptance of the SAPARD Plan of Lithuania by the European Commission the SAPARD Plan becomes a valid Programme.