Financing Agribusiness by State Development Banks - the Case of Macedonia

In countries where agriculture has substantial role in generating domestic product, sustainable agro-finance can seriously increase economic development. It is well known that agriculture is perceived as risky to be financed by commercial banks. Therefore, creating specific agro-credit lines within state development banks is key element in enhancing agricultural activities. These state development banks, operating in close collaboration with the Government have a significant role in accelerating economic welfare of farmers and rural poor. This study tends to emphasize the importance of creating special lending products targeted towards agriculture. The focus will be put on comparison between the first pillar – direct lending to agriculture and second pillar – lending to agriculture through commercial banks showing the better viability of the later.