Farmers fail to apply for SAPARD, gov't seeks EU extension on deadline

Following the lack of applications from farmers for SAPARD grants, the government has sent a request to the European Commission (EC) to prolong the validity of the funds from the pre EU accession SAPARD 2000 program to support the agricultural and food processing sector. This would mean that the unused euro 171 million could be saved and avoid a situation whereby Poland would become a net contributor to the EU budget when it becomes a member. "Once we know that our motion is accepted we will change the application procedure," said European Affairs Minister Danuta Hubner. According to Tymon Kokot, from AOS, the consulting company processing the applications, prolongation would mean a large part of aid funds could be rescued. "An additional year would allow everyone to better prepare," he said. Hubner assured the press that applications are being received and processed. Kokot qualified this by adding that most applications are only in the first phase of being examined. (Puls Biznesu, pp. 1, 5) A.D.