Serbia's Minister of Agriculture, Dragan Glamočić, has announced the creation of a working group to establish the country's first Hazelnut Excellence District in Western Bačka. The initiative will bring together producers, local authorities, and research institutions to form a coordinated model for hazelnut production, which could later extend to other fruit sectors.
Following a roundtable with AgriSerbia, Ferrero, and the Italian Embassy, Glamočić outlined a ten-year plan to raise Serbia's annual hazelnut production from 9,000 to 40,000 tons, positioning the country among the world's top ten producers.
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As of 2024, hazelnuts cover 8,718 hectares across Serbia, with 44% located in Vojvodina, 24% in southern and eastern Serbia, 23% in Šumadija and western Serbia, and 9% in the Belgrade region. Serbia exported 1,759 tons of hazelnuts in 2024, valued at €5.7 million, with 92% of shipments destined for Italy.
AgriSerbia manages a 600-hectare estate producing up to 1,800 tons annually. Despite July storms, the 2024 harvest is expected to yield around 1,000 tons. Ferrero has distributed over 1.8 million hazelnut saplings, supporting 3,360 hectares of new orchards and 680 farming households. Its 2024 program included over 500 field visits and training sessions focused on sustainable orchard management.
Globally, Ferrero sources about one-quarter of the world's hazelnuts for its confectionery brands.
Farmers explore new fruit crops
Amid shifting crop trends, some Serbian farmers are experimenting with hawthorn cultivation, driven by its adaptability and growing demand in the herbal and food industries. Hawthorn requires limited maintenance, begins bearing fruit within a few years, and yields three to five tons per hectare under local conditions.
Integrated orchard model in Vojvodina
The Agro Klek cooperative near Zrenjanin, Vojvodina, manages 12,000 hectares of farmland, integrating fruit cultivation within its operations. Director Radovan Bokić emphasized the importance of reinvestment and collaboration among growers to maintain consistent production despite variable weather conditions.
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For more information:
Netherlands Agricultural Network
Email: [email protected]
www.agroberichtenbuitenland.nl
