RUBUS AND RIBES INDUSTRY IN SERBIA: A PRODUCTION MODEL FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

M. Nikolić, B. Tanović
For many years, Serbia has been among the leading producers of raspberries and blackberries in the world. Its production of currants is low, so this fruit is mainly imported. In 2009 growing season, 86,500 tons of raspberries and 12,000 tons of blackberries were produced in Serbia. A similar production level was maintained in 2010. Raspberry production is concentrated in the western and southwestern parts of Serbia in small farms (about 60,000 households) with an average area of 0.25 ha. Blackberries are grown on 4,000 ha by 15,000 growers mainly in central, northwestern and eastern Serbia. The currant production area is very small, only 100 ha, mainly in western and central Serbia. Despite many problems over the last decade varying from agrometeorological factors to unstable markets and prices, the production sustains and is relatively profitable, particularly on raspberries. Important factors to achieve good economy are the large flexibility of the producers, and many advantages of such a fragmented production as:
  • Low-cost investments without many inputs: only the planting material and plant support system.
  • Developed necessary infrastructure of roads, cold storages, market places, etc.
  • Quick return on investment – but, from the second year.
  • Involvement of unemployed family members in crop maintenance and harvest. In this way growers can provide a cheaper product and gain higher incomes.
  • Easier managing that reduces the economic impact of low prices and hard sale conditions. Small producers tolerate easier the reduction in yield or no yield of some years.
Nikolić, M. and Tanović, B. (2012). RUBUS AND RIBES INDUSTRY IN SERBIA: A PRODUCTION MODEL FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. Acta Hortic. 946, 405-412
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2012.946.67
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2012.946.67
raspberry, blackberry, production, growing, marketing
English

Acta Horticulturae