Ivica Djordjevic, from the family nursery ‘Kalem Djordjevic’ based in central Serbia, hope his government will conclude negotiations with the European plant protection authorities that will enable them to export stone fruit and grape plants to the EU region again.
Kalem Djordjevic currently exports table grape vines, apple and stone fruit trees to Morocco, India and Algeria. “Over the last few years special attention has been paid to the cultivation and production of columnar fruit trees and standard rose plants because there is growing demand from garden hobbyists for these plants. We started to export plants to India, Morocco and Algeria a few years ago when the EU stopped the import of plants from non-EU countries. Our quality has been recognized, so every year we’re increasing the quantity of our exported plants. We started with 20 000 pieces of plants and now it is around 300 000 pieces of plants,” says Djordjevic.
He is also looking to attract other top plant variety owners to entrust him with the rights to produce and sell new table grape and other varieties in Serbia. “We grow a lot of plums in Serbia mostly for the production of our world-famous alcoholic drink Rakija, but also the production of prunes is increasing every year. Table grapes are also popular but for now the wine grape holds primacy due to the production of wine. We have the proven capability to supply and export rootstocks and grafted plants to other countries successfully,” states Djordjevic.
He says there are also plans underway in Serbia by a private provider with links to Germany to establish a tissue culture facility in the country later this year. “This will help with our plant propagation and to have enough trees available for the growing demand, not only in our country but in Europe too.”
Djordjevic hails the good climate and quality soils in Serbia for growing fruit as well as their relative deep, cold winter that largely eliminates serious pests. “Beside these factors for excellent quality plant material propagation, the affordable prices also playing a big role in decision to buy plants from Serbia. Also, the signed trade agreement between the European Union and Serbia guarantees buyers from Europe that they are exempt from paying customs fees. Phytosanitary conditions and control of plants propagation in Serbia are adapted to European regulations too.
He says all these factors contribute to the growing demand for purchasing plants from Serbia. All that is needed now is for the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Serbia, ‘who is working very hard’, according to Djordjevic to provide all the necessary documents and analyses. They expect to get positive feedback from EU by end of this year he says.
For more information:
Ivica Djordjevic
Kalem Djordjevic Nursery
Tel: +381 64 580 44 66
Email: office@kalemdjordjevic.ml
www.kalemdjordjevic.ml