Changing sector
The Serbian small fruit sector is rapidly changing. Newly established cooperatives are introducing new fruit varieties, production techniques and standards, and improving the post-harvest process. The move from frozen to fresh products has already led to an impressive jump in both yield and growers income. The Serbian authorities intend to further boost the sector by introducing the latest varieties of small fruit.
The Dutch fruit sector has satisfied the healthy palate of millions of people around the world. We grow a wide variety of fruit on land and in greenhouses, using advanced and sustainable techniques. By fostering cooperation between our governments, companies and knowledge institutions, we can support Serbia in growing a robust fruit sector.
A public private initiative from the Netherlands
The Dutch government and a group of 12 leading companies, with complementary specialities, have developed a public-private partnership: Netherlands Small Fruit Solutions Serbia. Our objective is to assist Serbia and Serbian growers in making the fruit sector more efficient, profitable and sustainable.
We offer an integrated approach, combining knowledge, infrastructure and technology – all adapted to Serbian requirements. To increase fruit quantity and quality and enhance fruit-plant protection and fruit export, we intend to:
- introduce new virus-free small fruit varieties,
- design and implement intensive gardens and orchards, and
- improve the pre-harvest, harvest, and post-harvest process.
We will present our techniques and innovation on our demo plot in Arilje (Western Serbia). Netherlands Small Fruit Solutions Serbia aims to contribute to the development of a more productive and consistent small fruit sector in Serbia.
Training and knowledge exchange are at the centre of our plan. Together, we can work on developing the whole chain, all the way from breeding to handling and storage.
Further professionalisation of the small fruit sector provides growers and smallholders with higher and stable incomes. It will boost the local small fruit sector and create jobs in the entire chain. Ultimately, Netherlands Small Fruit Solutions Serbia wishes to be a partner for sustainable change in the Serbian small fruit chain.
An integrated approach
The partners in this cluster are all frontrunners in their business. Together they act as knowledge partner and partner in covering products and services related to state-of-the-art planting materials, cultivation of small fruit (raspberries, black current, red berries, blue berries, straw berries) and cherries, and post-harvest handling, storage and processing technologies.
Cooperation between the partners will have the most efficient impact for a more productive development of the small fruit sector in Serbia.
