Export to EU problematic for Bosnia and Herzegovina growers

After bad negotiations in previous years regarding fruit exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina to the EU, plum producers, amongst others, are facing many difficulties receiving a good prices for their fruits. The biggest problem is that the majority of EU countries retained the entry price for fruit importers from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Plum exporters have been especially hit by the entry prices. For example, the entry price for plums being sent to Germany is 0.69 euro / kg. Exporters who want to import plum at lower prices are forced to pay an additional levy, around 1,000 euros per truck. Which is making the purchase price much too low for producers.

The current price of plums in the Republic of Serbian and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is ranging from 0.20 euro / kg to 0.50 euro / kg. Despite frost damages, the total expected yield is around 350,000 tons.

“It is a big issue for all in Bosnia and Herzrgovina, but the question is whether the problem will be solved. It will take time for re-negotiations, but many politicians are not interested in starting the process.”

For more information:
Bojan Kecman
Ministry of Agriculture-Republic of Srpska
Tel: +387 65 742 293,
Email: b.kecman@mps.vladars.net
bojankecman@gmail.com