Drakić: The development of agriculture must remain one of the strategic priorities of the Montenegrin economy

The development of agriculture must remain one of the strategic priorities of the Montenegrin economy, which implies an increase in allocations for the Agrobudget, because investing in agriculture is investing in a sustainable future, said the President of the Chamber of Commerce (PKCG), Nina Drakić.

At a ceremony organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Montenegro in honor of the producers awarded at the 92nd International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad at the Podgorica-based CKZ Ribnica, she said that it is clear that quality is a key factor in our competitiveness and must remain the foundation of agricultural production in Montenegro.

"In addition, we need to use significant European Union support funds to modernize production, implement modern standards, and meet market demands," said Drakić, adding that the Chamber remains a partner and supporter on that path.

According to her, these awards are rewards for the dedicated work and dedication of our producers and processors of milk and meat, winemakers, beekeepers, producers of alcoholic beverages, olive oil, confectionery products, grain and many others, and confirmation that Montenegrin food products are valued and recognized as quality.

"That is precisely why it is of utmost importance that we continuously and more strongly promote domestic products, especially those with recognizable characteristics, such as organic and with geographical indications, and which are rightly considered high-quality," said Drakić.

She said she hopes their next destination for success will be some of the fairs in European Union countries.

"That is our common goal and, I am convinced, the future that awaits us," said Drakić.

The gathered representatives of state institutions, the diplomatic corps, and the business community witnessed the strength of domestic production and innovations that our manufacturers successfully place on the regional and international markets.

The ceremony highlighted the success of the laureates of prestigious awards and the importance of Montenegrin agriculture and the food industry for the entire economy. At the prestigious Novi Sad Fair, our producers achieved one of the best results in recent years, winning a total of 200 medals and awards. Of particular note are two large champion cups, three silver cups for very high product quality, 17 awards from the fair's expert jury, 119 gold medals, including 19 large ones, as well as the title of Quality Champion for seven products in their categories. 42 silver and ten bronze medals were also won.

The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Vladimir Joković, believes that success at the International Agricultural Fair is proof of the quality of our products, but also confirmation of the work, dedication and knowledge of the people behind them.

"This recognition from the international expert community gives us additional motivation, but also an obligation to continue investing in rural development, modernization of production, education of farmers and promotion of domestic products - because Montenegro has something to offer," said Joković.

He thanked the Chamber of Commerce for its continued support for Montenegrin businesspeople.

"May this success be an encouragement and inspiration for all of us to continue even stronger. The Ministry of Agriculture will remain your partner, ally and support on this path," added Joković.

On behalf of the awardees, the co-owner of the Šimšić Montmilk company, Milutin Đuranović, thanked the Chamber of Commerce and the relevant ministry.

He emphasized that the success at the event with a long tradition is not accidental, but the result of dedicated work and the quality that Montenegrin production offers.

"When you come from a small town to a fair that has a 92-year tradition – the longest in the region – and win numerous awards, nothing is accidental," said Đuranović.

Speaking about the challenges in the sector, Đuranović emphasized the need for systemic support and a strategic approach.

"There is no sustainable agriculture without clear budgetary support, and there is no liberal economy in the agricultural market. What truly distinguishes Montenegro and keeps it recognizable in the processing sector is quality. Thanks to that, we have won numerous medals and cups," said Đuranović.

He said that agriculture should not be neglected, because we must produce food, especially healthy food, and life is becoming increasingly expensive, and that this should be the main mission.

He expressed special gratitude to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Montenegro and the Ministry of Agriculture for their financial support and continuous campaign to promote domestic products, calling on institutions to continue promoting the idea of ​​"Buy Domestic".

From the expert jury from the Novi Sad Fair, two large championship cups went to winemakers and winegrowers and the Miranis company from Nikšić, while the silver cups were awarded to the products of the Mianja company, the Lazine dairy and the Mille Baci company.

A total of 43 awards were won in the meat and meat products category, and the laureates were Martex Cetinje, Mianja Cetinje, Niksen Čavor Kotor, Sušara Stanišić Cetinje, Zrnožit Cetinje, Monstate Cetinje and Janković Miloš.

A total of 32 awards were given to milk and dairy products from Montenegro. The winners were the Lazine Dairy in Danilovgrad, Mille Bacci in Podgorica, Niksen in Čavor in Kotor and the Vulaš Cheese Dairy.

Strong alcoholic beverages and liqueurs won 18 awards at the Novi Sad Fair. The winners were Vujica Vuković from Bijelo Polje, Milivoje Radunović from Berane, Vinarija Excellent from Cetinje, Podrum Mijovića Brijega from Virpazar, Destilerija Odabrana from Nikšić, Sanja and Milovan Jocović from Nikšić, 7 Hills from Podgorica, Jugopapir Tošić Vladisav from Bar and Dragana Vuković from Bijelo Polje.

Montenegrin wines are recognized for their quality in the region and beyond, and at the fair, with a total of 43 awards, the following were awarded: "Miranović" Winery from Podgorica, "Ljutica" Winery from Podgorica, "Buk" Winery from Podgorica, "Ćetković" Winery from Podogorica, Mijovića Brijega Cellar from Virpazar, "Excellent" Winery from Cetinje, "Matica" Winery from Podgorica, "Racković" Winery from Podgorica, Ceka-Jovović Winery from Danilovgrad, Vineyards Tuzi-Dedvukaj Paško, Bojanović Winery from Podgorica, Đukanović Winery from Bar, Klisić Winery from Bar, Knjaz Winery from Bar, Medigović Winery from Petrovac and Vukčević Winery from Podgorica.

The Novi Sad Fair awarded two awards to beekeeper Ratko Alkesić from Nikšić.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Montenegro announced that 14 awards went to Montenegrin grain and flour products produced by Željko Macanović from Pljevlja and Refik Hadžibegović from Bijelo Polje.

In the category of fruit, vegetable, water, coffee and tea products, a total of nine awards went to Kuca ča from Žabljak, Naš sokić from Bijelo Polje, Frulife from Nikšić, PG Ašanin from Mojkovac and Jugopapir Tošić Vladislav from Bar.

Montenegrin oils were awarded 13 awards, and the laureates were Green Monde from Bar, Lučka oil, Orhan Babović and Stevo Davidović.

In the candidates category, two companies, Miranis from Nikšić and Mille Baci from Podgorica, won as many as 16 awards.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Montenegro said that four awards for good design went to Green Monde Bar, Sara Milosavljević, Tea House Žabljak and Staniša Karadžić. Two companies in the chemical industry products category, Montehum Danilovgrad and Ecoplast, also received four awards.

The Ždrebaonik Monastery from Danilovgrad received one award in the table egg category, and the Agrobusiness Center from Žabljak received the Best in Agribusiness award.