In addition to production expansion support and blueberry market placement globally, the aim of this program is the initiation and establishment of new production through support to producer organizations and extension services in the less developed areas of Serbia.
The program is being implemented in the regions of Vranje, Vlasinsko jezero, Novi Pazar, Raska, Prijepolje, Krusevac, Bajina Basta, Belanovica and Arilje. Apart from local producers, producer organizations and extension services providers, the trainings will be attended by producers from the region.
By taking part in the program, producers will obtain technical and advisory support as to be able to produce higher quality products, increase yields and ensure adequate handling of blueberry from the time of harvest until delivery.
USAID's support to blueberry production in Serbia dates back to 2006 and has included the support in financing the purchase of the planting material, provision of technical and advisory services, implementation of international food safety and quality standards, market research and the promotion of the fruit on the local and international market. By the end of 2011, approximately 100 families and/ or companies in Serbia were producing blueberry within 80 hectares of land. The sales exceeded USD 400,000, of which USD 250,000 in sales was achieved by exports to EU and Russian markets. The National Blueberry Association was established in 2009 with the support of the USAID Agribusiness Project, and it is currently actively working with its members on advancing production and exports.
Excellent profits, good quality and high demand, on the local as well as the international market, are the main reasons behind such a high and steadily growing interest amongst the potential blueberry producers. One of the reasons behind the fruit's global popularity is its high nutrition value and health benefits. The high costs involved in establishing production have not deterred the expansion of production in Serbia. On average, 15 hectares of new production is established in Serbia annually.
Through a combination of technical and financial assistance to date, the USAID Agribusiness Project has strongly supported Serbian berry fruit industry to improve productivity and product safety and quality, introduce new products, apply latest technologies and access new export markets.
In addition to production expansion support and blueberry market placement globally, the aim of this program is the initiation and establishment of new production through support to producer organizations and extension services in the less developed areas of Serbia.
The program is being implemented in the regions of Vranje, Vlasinsko jezero, Novi Pazar, Raska, Prijepolje, Krusevac, Bajina Basta, Belanovica and Arilje. Apart from local producers, producer organizations and extension services providers, the trainings will be attended by producers from the region.
By taking part in the program, producers will obtain technical and advisory support as to be able to produce higher quality products, increase yields and ensure adequate handling of blueberry from the time of harvest until delivery.
USAID's support to blueberry production in Serbia dates back to 2006 and has included the support in financing the purchase of the planting material, provision of technical and advisory services, implementation of international food safety and quality standards, market research and the promotion of the fruit on the local and international market. By the end of 2011, approximately 100 families and/ or companies in Serbia were producing blueberry within 80 hectares of land. The sales exceeded USD 400,000, of which USD 250,000 in sales was achieved by exports to EU and Russian markets. The National Blueberry Association was established in 2009 with the support of the USAID Agribusiness Project, and it is currently actively working with its members on advancing production and exports.
Excellent profits, good quality and high demand, on the local as well as the international market, are the main reasons behind such a high and steadily growing interest amongst the potential blueberry producers. One of the reasons behind the fruit's global popularity is its high nutrition value and health benefits. The high costs involved in establishing production have not deterred the expansion of production in Serbia. On average, 15 hectares of new production is established in Serbia annually.
Through a combination of technical and financial assistance to date, the USAID Agribusiness Project has strongly supported Serbian berry fruit industry to improve productivity and product safety and quality, introduce new products, apply latest technologies and access new export markets.
