Processing, Transportation and Storage of Products

We have been informed through the relevant professional committee that when applying for State Aid for new investments, renovations, and modernization of fruit and vegetable processing facilities, some purchases should be considered as fixed assets rather than consumables.

Members of the Professional Committee have stated that significant product losses occur throughout the entire process of agricultural products, from harvesting and packaging to export and sale in the domestic market. They emphasized the need for proper processing, transportation, and storage of products in cold storage facilities using appropriate methods to prevent these losses.

It is requested that regulations be put in place to allow large plastic (Polyethylene 1668) crates, used during the harvesting, processing, and storage stages of the product, to be considered as fixed assets in state aid applications for businesses and included among the eligible investment items.

These crates are indispensable for businesses in pre-shipment cold storage because their design allows for cold air circulation and ensures all products receive air evenly. Their advantages over cardboard boxes include being more economical, longer-lasting, recyclable, preventing condensation, and saving on empty transport and stacking costs.

For facilities that process thousands of tons of produce annually, "cold storage crates" are an indispensable investment item for the operation of the fresh fruit and vegetable sector, and since the purchase of these crates represents a significant cost, they are requesting that regulations be put in place to allow this product to be considered as a supportable investment element in applications for state aid for the investments that businesses will make.

We would appreciate it if you could send me your comments on this matter in Word format by July 17th.