Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Lupco Dimivski is paying a two-day visit to Slovenia on AuguΣt 28-29 to attend the International Agricultural – Food Fair (AGRA 2009) in Gornja Radgona.

Dimovski kicked off the working part of his visit with meetings in the Benedict municipality - a successful example of rural development. Municipality Mayor Milan Gumzar informed Dimovski about the development and realized projects, saying that this Slovene municipality may serve as an example for developing the rural areas in Macedonia.

Slovenia is a partner in one pilot-project, which is going to be realized in Kicevo village of Manstirski Dolenci. Slovene experts say the village has potential for development of rural tourism and production of organic food.

- We don't view Slovenia only as a partner, but also as a friend that is helping us to go where we aspire and should be, Dimovski said.

Dimovski and his Slovene counterpart Milan Pogacnik will also discuss on the 'Rural Village' project, as well as on possibilities for further boosting of the bilateral cooperation.

Slovene President Danilo Tuerk will open this year fair AGRA 2009 in Gornja Radgona.

A novelty at this year's fair will be the project 'Wine Slovenia Gornja Radgona', set up as a fair within a fair. Special emphasis will be placed on organic and integrated crop production and breeding. Expert exhibitions and consultations will emphasise topical issues such as the impact of climate change on agriculture, protection against natural disasters, novelties in the field of organic farming, the impact of water quality on human health, health enhancing organic nutrition... There will be a wide array of educational, peer-group and entertaining activities, among them also many new events such as an Organic market, Honey and honey products market, and a Honey Queen pageant. The last two days of the AGRA 2009 will be marked by the 56th World Ploughing Contest held in Moravske Toplice. /lk/fd/13:58