On October 6, the first Berry Business Forum was held in Serbia; the conference covered all topics of interest to producers: market trends, plant breeders’ rights, climate change and funding opportunities. The event turned out to be perfectly suited as a knowledge sharing event and a networking opportunity for all participants.

Image: Serbian Customs Service

Serbia is well known for its raspberry production, but other berries are also gaining in importance. Blueberry orchards have seen increases over the past five years as blueberries are easier to handle after harvest and have a longer shelf life. Although Serbian farmers are savvy growers, berry cultivation itself is changing due to global climate change and new market demands, changing consumer preferences, etc. Therefore, knowledge transfer and continuous training were identified as necessary by the producers themselves.

Milos Milutinovic, Category Manager F&L at Ahold Delhaize Serbia, explained that meeting the strict requirements and standards set by retail chains is beneficial for producers. If the local market cannot consume the quantities produced, exporting the surplus products would not be a problem because they are of high quality. He also praised the initiative of local producers to join forces and come together in a cooperative or collaborate with larger producers who can deliver to retail chains.

Source: agroberichtenbuitenland.nl