"This is the first programme of assistance for Croats in Serbia in the field of agriculture, which is the livelihood of a large number of community members," said Jasna Vojnić, HNV president and a member of the Croatian Parliament, addressing around 70 farmers in the village of Mala Bosna.
At the first in a series of public meetings to be held over the next ten days in towns with larger Croatian populations, it was highlighted that a single farm can receive up to €10,000 for the purchase of machinery and equipment for crop and livestock production, fruit growing, establishing perennial plantations, land lease, and other purposes.
The call for applications will remain open until 23 January, and financial support will be available to members of the Croatian community registered on the electoral roll of the Croatian national minority in Serbia, officials told attendees.
Particular consideration will be given to community and church activism, as well as membership in Croatian associations.
The announcement of the call follows the creation of a Register of Croatian Entrepreneurs and Agricultural Holdings in Serbia, which formed the basis for requesting this type of support from the Croatian government.
The initiative was based on the experiences of the Hungarian community and the "Prosperitate" foundation, financed by Hungary.