The recent meeting between the Minister of Agriculture, Aleksandar Martinović, and the Vilamet Berry Producers Association addressed ongoing challenges in the raspberry industry, particularly the relationship between raspberry producers and cold storage facilities. A key issue discussed was the price at which cold storers purchase raspberries. Minister Martinović announced that the Ministry of Agriculture would encourage cold storers to raise the purchase price to 300 dinars per kilogram.
However, Zoran Keserović, a professor at the Faculty of Agriculture in Novi Sad, highlighted that the dispute between raspberry producers and cold storers has persisted for over 30 years, with no lasting solutions in sight. Keserović attributes this problem to the poor organization of the sector and the lack of systemic solutions, which has led to ongoing conflicts between producers and cold storage companies. He noted that in countries like Italy, raspberry producers are more integrated, often forming cooperatives where they have shared ownership, which contrasts with Serbia, where producers and cold storers operate as separate entities.
Keserović proposed two potential solutions:
- Encouraging producers to establish their own cold storage and processing centers, which would help them gain more control over the process.
- Creating a revenue-sharing agreement between producers and cold storers. Under this model, 45% of the export price would go to cold storers and 55% to producers, with the price and profit distribution being determined after the final sale of the export.
Another key issue is the determination of raspberry prices. Last year’s price ranged between 220 and 250 dinars, which Keserović deemed too low given the increasing production costs. These costs have risen dramatically, encompassing labor, pruning, fertilizers, and the harvest itself, making it difficult for producers to sustain profitability at such prices.
Keserović also noted a significant decline in raspberry yields in Serbia compared to 2017, which further weakens the position of producers. While meetings between producers and cold storers may offer some progress, Keserović believes that cooperatives could play a crucial role in resolving these issues by bridging the gap between the two parties and encouraging investments in cold storage facilities.
In conclusion, Keserović stressed that without cooperation and a clear agreement between producers and cold storers, Serbia risks losing its competitiveness in the global raspberry market.
