After Slovakia joined the European Union Slovak farmers were able to use financial support from the EU in the
form of direct or project payments. Within the framework of the Rural Development Programme 2004–2006,
organic farming was classified under the Priority 2 Protection and improvement of the rural environment, measure 5
Agri-environmental support. Rural Development Plan 2004–2006 was financed by the Guarantee Section of the
European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and it was developed in parallel with Sectoral
Operational Programme Agriculture and Rural Development 2004–2006.