This weekt at Hotel Moscow in Belgrade, the newly established Serbian National Milk Processors Association (SEDA) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the European Dairy Association (EDA).

The memorandum was signed by the President of SEDA, Zoran Matic and the Secretary General od EDA, Joop Kleibeuker. The aim of the Protocol of Cooperation is to encourage the development of milk processing in Serbia and provide a framework for cooperation between the two associations.

By joining EDA, SEDA members will participate in EU-led dairy forums and interact with milk producers facing similar challenges. Serbian milk producers will meet with EU dairy executives, scientists and marketing experts, join EDA working groups, and learn about global issues facing milk producers.

Milos Milovanovic, the Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Trade, Forestry and Water Management said that the dairy sector in Serbia is important both economically and socially and that the Ministry will, in line with its financial capabilities, continue to support the sector and carry out further institutional improvements.

Susan K. Fritz, Mission Director at the U.S. Agency for International Development stated that USAID has been cooperating with the dairy sector in Serbia for over ten years. Ms. Fritz congratulated the member companies on their vision and determination that led to the establishment of such an important association and stressed that although it is sometimes hard to work with competition, companies recognized the strength of numbers and joined efforts.

Zoran Micovic, the Director of the Veterinary Department, said that the Veterinary Department ensured huge steps were made in enabling exports to the EU, and that with the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation, the conditions for export will be further improved.

Zoran Matic, the President of the Serbian National Milk Processors Association mentioned that the members of the Association collectively process 600,000 liters of milk daily, employ 1,267 people and purchase milk from close to 11,000 farmers.

SEDA was established in November 2011. Its eight members are the Sabac Dairy, Megle, Kuc Dairy, Ekomlek Dairy, Nis Dair, Lazar Dairy, Muza Dairy and Leskovac Dairy.

Its goals are to foster better representation and lobbying efforts nationally and internationally, improve the business environment, and increase productivity and product quality to enhance the competitiveness of Serbian dairy products.

SEDA was established with assistance from the USAID Agribusiness Project, which has been supporting Serbia's dairy sector since 2008. The project has helped dairies implement international food safety and quality standards, introduce new technologies, and assist marketing and exports.

Since 2001 USAID has invested more than $662.5 million to stimulate economic growth, strengthen the justice system, and promote good governance in Serbia.