At the forum held in Ivanjica, Dr. Aleksandar Leposavić, a member of the International Raspberry Producers Organization, spoke about the current challenges of Serbian raspberry growing. He pointed out that the decrease in the global production of raspberries is a good opportunity for Serbia in the coming period, and that the key to the survival of the Serbian raspberry industry could be a focus on the quality of the product, not just on the quantity. Leposavić warned that hyperproduction can lead to price reductions and pointed to the need to create competitiveness on the world market through high-quality products.
Raspberry uncertain, producers even less so
Milovan Jakovljević, councilor in the Ivanjica Municipal Assembly, proposed concrete measures to solve the current problems in the raspberry industry, including an additional payment of 50 dinars per kilogram of raspberries for last year, in order to help producers who are facing low purchase prices. He emphasized that it is necessary to develop a long-term solution for raspberry growing that would include systemic support for raspberry growers. Dragan Stojković, a professor at the Faculty of Economics in Kragujevac, pointed out the importance of investing in infrastructure that would enable better organization of the market and stability of the sector.
The conclusion of the forum was that greater cooperation between state institutions, raspberry producers and experts is necessary for the preservation of Serbian raspberry production. This would build a sustainable strategy based on quality and long-term stability of the sector.
A little about the Action Plan and products of Vojvodina
In accordance with the Law on the Planning System of the Republic of Serbia and the Law on Nature Protection, the creation of the Nature Protection Program with the Action Plan has been started. This program is being prepared with the support of the Global Environment Facility project “Support for Early Action for the Global Biodiversity Framework”. This program is implemented by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). The document will transfer commitments from the Global Framework for Biodiversity, including the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
The Scientific Institute for Food Technologies in Novi Sad deals with the mapping of traditional products from the territory of Vojvodina. So far, 53 products have been identified, among which 13 have protected geographical origin. Among them are Srem kulen, Vrsa ham and Swabian cheese. The institute strives to help producers in preserving Vojvodina’s gastronomic heritage. Biljana Ljubinković and Dragana Kljajić, professional cooks and supporters of traditional cuisine, have created a new product made from stewed vegetables, which is used to prepare stews and stews.
Source: boljazemlja.com
