In the first six months of 2024, Montenegro imported fruit and vegetables worth more than €34 million, sparking dissatisfaction among local farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture reports an annual import value exceeding €78 million for these products. Željko Milić, an agricultural producer, claims that 80% of farmers have failed to recover their investments, describing this year as one of the worst in the past two decades.
During this period, Montenegro imported fruit valued at €16.2 million (3.7% of total imports) and vegetables valued at €18.1 million (4.1% of total imports). Conversely, exports included fruit worth €1.2 million and vegetables worth €1.1 million, including mushrooms valued at €700,000, raspberries at €380,000, and blueberries at €260,000.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management (MPŠV) detailed that imports comprised €2.9 million worth of potatoes, €3.6 million worth of tomatoes, €1 million worth of cucumbers, €2 million worth of peppers, €2.7 million worth of citrus fruits, €3 million worth of apples, and €600,000 worth of strawberries.
The Ministry further stated that Montenegro imports €42.7 million worth of fruit and €35.4 million worth of vegetables annually, while exports are considerably lower at €2.6 million for fruit and €4.8 million for vegetables. The Ministry attributes this imbalance to Montenegro’s dependence on imports and is working to promote domestic production and improve market access for local products.
Although Podgorica markets continue to offer a variety of local products, Željko Milić reports that many local producers have completed their harvests. He notes that despite high production levels, profits were insufficient compared to the effort invested. Milić, who grows peppers, cabbage, potatoes, strawberries, cucumbers and watermelons, found that the selling prices of his produce barely covered production costs. He claims that while domestic produce was undervalued, prices for imported goods surged once local products were no longer available.
Milić argues that many farmers are facing financial difficulties, asserting that 80% have not recovered their investments. He accuses major retail chains and import lobbies of manipulating prices and monopolizing the market, leaving local producers at a disadvantage.
The MPŠV acknowledges Montenegro’s low self-sufficiency in wheat and milling products (3.1%) and moderately low self-sufficiency in fruit (20-80%) and vegetables, with specific figures such as 36% for tomatoes, 56% for onions, 73% for potatoes, 97% for cabbage, and 67% for peppers. The Ministry emphasizes the need to strengthen the supply chain in the fruit and vegetable sector to enhance domestic production and reduce imports.
Support initiatives include subsidies, incentives for local farmers, development of rural infrastructure, and promotional efforts for domestic products. The Ministry provides financial support for all arable land and additional funding for establishing new agricultural areas. Support amounts to up to €300 per hectare for arable land and an extra €400 per hectare for new agricultural land.
The Ministry is also focused on improving the quality of domestic products through standards and certifications to ensure competitiveness and meet food safety requirements.
