Fruit and vegetable growers in Serbia recently formed a National Association to represent their interests.“FRUITS OF SERBIA” is newly founded association’s name.

It aims to become the leading institution in Serbia for improvement of production, promotion and sale of fruits and vegetables.

"Networking and cooperation of fruit and vegetable producers are matters of survival in modern agriculture, “ explains Ratko Vukićević, chairman of the „Fruits of Serbia“ executive board. „

In Serbia, there are roughly 270,000 registered, mainly small producers, without much of a chance to stay in business much longer. Together, we must succeed and have our high quality fruits and vegetables competitive on international markets, with widely recognized identity, design and marketing. “

Education, experience exchange, organization of conferences, joint appearances in markets, joint presentations at trade fairs, establishment of unique information system and introduction of international quality standards are some of activities the association have planned to help Serbia become a regional leader in the fruit and vegetable business.

"Along with quality, competitiveness, design, packaging, and efficient distribution channels are a necessity also, “ says Slobodan Milosavljević, head of the Serbian Ministry of Agriculture. „

We will provide all the support needed to have Serbian produce distributed to all major wholesalers, from London to Moscow, on a daily basis, “ promises Minister Milosavljević.

Sharing the same goals, for an increase in market driven Serbian agricultural products sales and exports, the USAID Agribusiness Project has assisted the formation of the new Serbian fruit and vegetable growers national association and will continue to provide support to strengthen „Fruits of Serbia“.