APF 2017 gathered more than 130 relevant stakeholders who shared views on agricultural and rural development policies in the Western Balkans and provided policy recommendations for improving the current situation.

Agricultural Policy Forum (APF) 2017 was jointly organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Montenegro and the Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in SEE in Podgorica, on 11 and 12 October. It gathered more than 130 representatives of relevant public authorities, civil and private sector, from the SEE region and abroad. It addressed the need for adjusting the agricultural and rural development policies in SEE in line with the EU requirements. Enabling employment and investments opportunities in the rural areas, as well as proper use and management of natural resources would reduce rural outmigration. Western Balkans should consolidate the actions needed to establish a regional economic area in compliance with the EU acquis to eliminate market access barriers, decrease the cost of trade and attract more investments.

The President of INCA, Dr. Genti Kromidha, participating at the Agricultural Policy Forum 2017, presented the report on the Management of Natural Resources in the South –East European countries. The report provides an assessment of the status of the natural resources (forests, water, soil) and their management in six SEE countries (Albania, BiH, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia) followed by an analysis of the current state of compliance with relevant EU legislation and strategies on natural resources. Based on this analysis, the report defines a set of key issues and challenges requiring policy interventions including enhanced resource use and business competitiveness, provision and marketing of ecosystem services, sustainable approaches to land planning, improved institutional arrangements and capacities. The report is developed during the period August 2016-June 2017 by the natural resource management expert group of the RRD SWG in SEE, in the frame of the Rural development through integrated forest and water resources management in Southeast Europe (LEIWW) project, financially supported by GIZ.