Today, the 53rd International Fair of Agriculture and Food Industry – Plum Fair, one of the most important economic manifestations of this region, was officially opened in Gradačac.
The fair was officially opened by the prime minister of the Tuzla Canton, Irfan Halilagić.
“The fact that around 150 exhibitors from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the countries of the region are presenting this year confirms that the fair has preserved its reputation and remains an important meeting place for producers, processors, experts, institutions and business partners. The plum is its most recognizable symbol, but the message of the fair is much broader. Here we represent the quality of domestic agriculture and the food industry, we exchange knowledge and experience, learn about new technologies and create business connections that can bring new investments and new jobs,” said Halilagić in his address to the audience.
The goal, he adds, should not be only to increase the volume of production.
“We must create the conditions so that the greater part of the value remains here, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, through processing, final products and their stronger performance on the domestic and foreign markets. We should not allow ourselves to export our quality raw materials and then import them again in the form of significantly more expensive finished products. For this step forward, we need knowledge, modern technology and a stronger connection between producers, processors, the scientific community and institutions. Fairs like this one provide an opportunity for these people and ideas to meet,” said the cantonal prime minister.
For the fourth year in a row, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry is a partner of the International Fair of Agriculture and Food Industry in Gradačac. In his address to the audience, Minister Kemal Hrnjić pointed out that food production in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also on a global level, will be an increasing challenge, which is why farmers, food producers, ministries and fairs like this must be given the place they deserve.
“Today we signed a memorandum on the international initiative to launch the “Plum Road” project, the goal of which is to give this fruit, which has enormous potential in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, its rightful place and raise its production to a higher level. For this reason, we will try to involve the cantonal and entity governments, as well as Croatia and Serbia, in order to act together towards European funds and raise this project to a completely new level. What is particularly encouraging is the interest of young people in agriculture. 580 young farmers applied for the public invitation of the Federal Ministry. It is a strong message that this country has a future when it comes to agricultural production. At the same time, the Ministry issued a public invitation to commercial banks in order to create the most favorable credit line for financing agriculture. I congratulate the organizers on the 53-year long tradition of the Fair and I hope that next year, at the 54th Fair, we will be even more numerous and celebrate new successes together,” said Hrnjić.
The Mayor of Gradačac, Hajrudin Mehanović, in a statement to the media before the opening of the Fair, said that by signing the Memorandum on Cooperation on the “Plum Road” project, greater importance can be given to fruit growing, and agriculture in general.
“But what is important for Gradačac is that this is an important export resource and that through it we have great economic benefits and what is the culture and tradition of this region,” said the mayor.
The ceremonial opening was attended by numerous officials, businessmen, agricultural producers and guests, including the former President of the Republic of Croatia Stjepan Mesić.
“What is the result of the work, effort and commitment of all participants. It is important that through our work and commitment we convey experiences, point out the difficulties we face, but also use what nature gives us in the right way. Such events are an opportunity for the exchange of knowledge, experiences and ideas, but also for the promotion of domestic production?” said Mesić.
The aim of the Fair is to connect agricultural producers, businessmen and institutions, promote domestic production, exchange experiences and knowledge, but also create new business opportunities. The organizers hope that this traditional event will continue to grow year after year and gather an increasing number of exhibitors and visitors.
“The fair lasts three days, and around 150 exhibitors will present their products and services. This year too, great efforts were made so that everything would be ready for the start of the fair activities. All visitors, in addition to the wide range of products, will have the opportunity to follow numerous accompanying contents, professional meetings, presentations and a cultural and entertainment program,” said Acting Director of the Tourist Board of Gradačac Sakib Imširović.
Before the official program, the guests of the Fair were welcomed at the Tower of Gradačac, where an appropriate program and socializing was arranged before the official opening of the event.
The organizers expect that the 53rd Plum Fair will confirm the importance of Gradačac as one of the important centers of agricultural production and economy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federalna writes.
