Development of agriculture must remain one of the strategic priorities of the Montenegrin economy
The Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro organized a ceremony in honor of the producers awarded at the 92nd International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad at the CKZ Ribnica in Podgorica. The gathered representatives of state institutions, the diplomatic corps and the business community witnessed the strength of domestic production and innovations that our producers successfully place on the regional and international markets.
The ceremony highlighted the success of the laureates of prestigious awards and the importance of Montenegrin agriculture and the food industry for the entire economy. We would like to remind you that at the prestigious Novi Sad Fair, our producers achieved one of the best results in the last few years, winning a total of 200 medals and awards. Two large championship cups, three silver cups for very high product quality, 17 awards from the fair’s expert jury, 119 gold medals, including 19 large ones, as well as the title “Champion of Quality” for seven products in their categories are particularly noteworthy. 42 silver and 10 bronze medals were won.
“These recognitions are rewards for the dedicated work and dedication of our producers and processors of milk and meat, winemakers, beekeepers, producers of alcoholic beverages, olive oil, confectionary products, grain and many others, and confirmation that Montenegrin food products are valued and recognized as high-quality. This is precisely why it is extremely important to continuously and strongly promote domestic products, especially those with recognizable characteristics, such as organic and with geographical indications, and which are considered high-quality for a reason,” she emphasized. President of the Chamber of Commerce Dr. Nina Drakić.
According to her, it is clear that quality is a key factor in our competitiveness and must remain the basis of agricultural production in Montenegro: “The development of agriculture must remain one of the strategic priorities of the Montenegrin economy. This implies an increase in allocations for the Agricultural Budget, because investing in agriculture is investing in our sustainable future. In addition, we should use the significant support funds of the European Union for the modernization of production, the application of modern standards and the fulfillment of market requirements,” said Drakić, adding that the Chamber remains a partner and support along the way.
“Dear producers, I hope that our next destination for success will be one of the fairs in the countries of the European Union. That is our common goal and, I am convinced, the future that awaits us”, said the president of the Chamber of Commerce.
The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Vladimir Joković believes that the success at the International Agricultural Fair is proof of the quality of our products, but also a confirmation of the work, dedication and knowledge of the people behind them: “This recognition from the international professional public gives us an additional motivation, but also an obligation to continue investing in rural development, modernization of production, education of farmers and promotion of domestic products – because Montenegro has something to offer”, said Minister Joković.
Minister Joković thanked the Chamber of Commerce for its continuous support to Montenegrin businessmen. and added: “Let this success be an incentive and inspiration for all of us to continue even stronger. The Ministry of Agriculture will remain your partner, ally and support along the way.”
On behalf of the awardees, Milutin Đuranović, co-owner of the company Šimšić Montmilk, thanked the Chamber of Commerce and the relevant ministry. He pointed out that the success at the event with a long tradition is not accidental, but the result of dedicated work and the quality offered by Montenegrin production. “When you come from a small community to a fair that has a tradition of 92 years – the longest in the region – and win numerous awards, nothing is accidental,” he said.
Speaking about the challenges in the sector, Đuranović emphasized the need for systemic support and a strategic approach. “There is no sustainable agriculture without clear budgetary support, and there is no liberal economy in the agricultural market. What truly distinguishes and keeps Montenegro recognizable in the processing sector is quality. Thanks to that, we have won numerous medals and cups,” he said, adding that agriculture must not be neglected, because we must produce food, especially healthy food, and life is becoming more and more expensive, and that this should be the main mission.
He sent special thanks to the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro and the Ministry of Agriculture for their financial support and continuous campaign for the promotion of local products, with a call to the institutions to continue affirming the idea of “Buy local”.
On the part of the expert jury from the Novi Sad fair, two big championship cups went to the winemakers and winegrowers and the company Miranis from Nikšić, while the silver cups were won by the products of the companies: Mianja, Mljekara Lazine and the company Mille Baci.
In the category of meat and meat products, a total of 43 awards were won, and the laureates are Martex Cetinje, Mianja Cetinje, Niksen Čavor Kotor, Sušara Stanišić Cetinje, Zrnožit Cetinje, Monstate Cetinje and Miloš Janković.
A total of 32 awards were won by milk and milk products from Montenegro. The winners are Mljekara Lazine Danilovgrad, Mille Bacci Podgorica, Niksen Čavor Kotor and Vulaš cheese factory.
Strong alcoholic beverages and liqueurs won 18 awards at the Novi Sad Fair. The following were awarded: Vuković Vujica from Bijelo Polje, Radunović Milivoje from Beran, Winery Excellent from Cetinje, Cellar Mijović Brijega from Virpazar, Destilerija Odabrana from Nikšić, Sanja and Milovan Jocović from Nikšić, 7 Hills from Podgorica, Jugopapir Tošić Vladisav from Bar and Vuković Dragana from Bijelo Polje.
Montenegrin wines are recognized for their quality in the region and beyond, and at the fair, with a total of 43 awards, the “Miranović” Winery from Podgorica, the “Ljutica” Winery from Podgorica, the “Buk” Winery from Podgorica, the “Ćetković” Winery from Podgorica, the Mijović Brijega Cellar from Virpazar, the “Excellent” Winery from Cetinje, the “Matica” Winery from Podgorica, the “Racković” Winery from Podgorica, Winery Ceka -Jovović from Danilovgrad, Vineyards Tuzi -Dedvukaj Paško, Winery Bojanović from Podgorica, Winery Đukanović from Bar, Winery Klisić from Bar, Winery Knjaz from Bar, Winery Medigović from Petrovac and Winery Vukčević from Podgorica.
The Novi Sad fair awarded two prizes to our beekeeper Ratko Aleksić from Nikšćić.
14 awards went to Montenegrin grain and flour products produced by Željko Macanović from Pljevlja and Refik Hadžibegović from Bijelo Polje.
In the category of fruit, vegetable, water, coffee and tea products, a total of 9 awards went to House of Tea from Žabljak, Naš Sokić from Bijelo Polje, Frulife from Nikšić, PG Ašanin from Mojkovac and Jugopapir Tošić Vladislav from Bar.
Montenegrin oils were awarded 13 awards, and the laureates are Green Monde from Bar, Lučka oil, Orhan Babović and Stevo Davidović.
In the confectionery category, as many as 16 awards were won by two companies, Miranis from Nikšić and Mille Baci from Podgorica.
Four awards for good design went to Green Monde Bar, Milosavljević Sara, Kuća chaja Žabljak and Karadžić Staniša. Four awards were also given to two companies in the chemical industry product category, Montehum Danilovgrad and Ecoplast.
The Ždrebaonik Monastery from Danilovgrad received one award in the table eggs category, and the Agribusiness Center from Žabljak received the Best in Agribusiness award.
Photo: Nikola Kalezić