Fines for small tobacco producers who cannot meet all the requirements prescribed by the Tobacco Law have sparked public debate this month, after the agricultural inspection fined several of them in the Bar settlement of Ostros, which, among other things, led to the formation of a working group to figure out how to bring small growers into line with the legal regulations.
In early June, the Agricultural Inspectorate fined tobacco producers in Ostros for producing in violation of the Tobacco Law, and the Municipality of Bar subsequently issued a statement saying that the Ministry of Agriculture in that city was implementing repressive measures that could endanger agricultural farms. The government department claims that the inspectors were professional and indiscriminate towards all producers.
The President of the Ostros Local Community, as well as other residents of that part of Bar, did not want to talk to the newspaper's journalist about this topic and the allegations of the Bar Municipality that repressive measures were taken against them.
From the Ministry of Agriculture, headed by Vladimir Jokovic (SNP) They told "Vijesti" that they have a sensitive approach towards all agricultural producers, especially small agricultural producers, taking care not to jeopardize their income. This is precisely why this meeting was organized.
The Directorate for Inspection Supervision in Agriculture conducts inspections of tobacco producers throughout Montenegro, they added, wherever this industrial crop is grown.
The government department did not specifically answer how many fines their inspection issued in Bar and Ostros, and for what, but they said that so far, inspections have been carried out at a large number of tobacco producers and a significant number of misdemeanor orders have been issued. The Directorate will continue to implement the action, and upon its completion, the public will be informed in a timely manner about the overall results, they said.
When it comes to the inspection's actions during the implementation of the action, the Ministry of Agriculture says that the work of the inspectors was based on the principles of professionalism, an educational approach, and imposing only necessary measures, all with the aim of consistent implementation of the Tobacco Law.
Inspection supervision is carried out on the basis of submitted initiatives, as well as in accordance with the legal obligation to conduct regular inspections. In addition to regular inspections, the law also provides for the possibility of conducting extraordinary inspections.
"The Directorate for Inspection Supervision in Agriculture does not observe the production of individual crops through the administrative borders of municipalities, local communities or other territorial units. On the contrary, it applies a uniform and non-selective approach to all producers, acting exclusively where there is a subject of supervision, that is, where agricultural production is carried out," concluded Joković's ministry.
They noted that the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management is in agreement with producers and MPs. Ilir Čapuni (Albanian Alliance) and Artan Čobi (Albanian Forum) organized a meeting to discuss the challenges faced by tobacco producers.
They pointed out that tobacco production represents a long-standing tradition and a significant source of income for numerous agricultural producers, which is why it is necessary to find a sustainable model for its further development and create conditions for organized production in accordance with applicable legal regulations that will be harmonized with European Union regulations.
After that meeting, which was held on July 2, the Ministry of Agriculture announced that it had been agreed to form a working group that would conduct talks with tobacco processors from the region as soon as possible, in order to create conditions for concluding contracts with domestic tobacco producers.
Up to 50 kg for personal use
MP Čapuni told "Vijesti" that he raised this topic in February - the introduction of small producers into the Tobacco Law, and added that such a qualification exists for other excise goods, namely alcohol (brandy), but not for tobacco.
"We would like to protect small producers, to somehow enable them to plant because tobacco is actually an industrial plant, according to the laws. Many things need to be analyzed, tobacco should be branded and excise taxes should be defined, that is, there should be small producers who can produce up to 50 kilograms of tobacco for their own needs, as well as for brandy," he explained.
Čapuni added that, given that the tobacco factory no longer exists, a way needs to be devised to purchase tobacco from small producers. He said that the law needs to be changed so that no one is discriminated against.
He notes that the plots where tobacco is planted are such that nothing else can be planted on them, and that they are very small in terms of surface area.
"We are not talking about some commercial tobacco and large quantities. We are talking about very small values and these are all home-made products, but the law has defined tobacco planting differently. So - we are moving towards that, and the ministry is adhering to the law and wants to meet the needs of small producers, to help them," said Čapuni, adding that they must be careful and thorough because all laws must be harmonized with the European Union.
The Municipality of Bar also points out that legal solutions must be applicable in real life circumstances and proportional to the consequences they produce.
"If the existing normative framework does not recognize the position of small family farms and the specificities of rural areas, then it is the obligation of the competent institutions to improve that framework, and not to further aggravate the already difficult position of producers through repression," said the Bar self-government.
The Municipality of Bar will, as announced, in accordance with its competences, officially launch an initiative to review existing legal solutions and continue to provide support to agricultural producers, especially those who live and work in rural areas, because we are convinced that dialogue, understanding the specificities of local environments and working together represent the only correct path towards a permanent and sustainable solution.
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