Serbian Farmers Learn to Grow Crops More Safely

The inappropriate use of pesticides can have adverse effects, such as ground water contamination, poisoning hazards, and residues in food that affect both the environment and human health. Speaking with producers participating in a training in southeastern Serbia, U.S. Ambassador Cameron Munter noted, “The knowledge Serbian agricultural producers have picked up through these trainings will, when put to use, bring benefits not only for them, but also for customers here in Serbia and, hopefully, in other countries where Serbian products may be sold.”

Ministry of Agriculture trainer Branislav Ogrizovic agrees. “The practical demonstration of the use of pesticide application machines is important, since today almost 70 percent of farmers use machines that are more than 30 years old, even though they are not suitable for the application of up-to-date pesticides. Protection is important, since it reduces environmental damages, it protects our health and those of others, and the proper application of these products increases the yield. A recent important milestone is that for the first time ever the Law on Plant Protection covers the proper application of pesticides in several paragraphs.”

Farmer Zlatko Golubovic felt that the training was particularly valuable. “Safety measures, the safety of people, and the protection of the environment are all aspects that farmers have not paid much attention to. The use of these pesticides should not be taken lightly. We learned what we should not do in future.”

The United States supports Serbian agriculture, through USDA programs and USAID’s Agribusiness Program, as a vibrant agricultural sector that will once again play a key role in building Serbia’s economy and creating much needed jobs. Given that all European Union countries enforce strict requirements regarding the standardization and certification of processes and the quality of products, Serbia’s adoption of international food safety standards is a key priority for future development.

In 2008, the efforts of USAID's Agribusiness program in bringing Serbian products back into international markets directly contributed to $16 million in export sales of Serbian fruit and vegetables. This figure is expected to rise in 2009. Buyers from Berlin to Moscow, and even Tokyo, are buying millions of dollars of Serbian agricultural products, while the United States remains the biggest buyer of Serbian dried fruits.

“It is clear that the world is recognizing what great products can be grown in Serbia, but it is important to pay attention to why they like Serbian products. They like Serbian products because they are both delicious AND natural. That is why it is so important to exercise caution and responsibility in using pesticides. Using harmful products is bad for the environment, bad for consumer health and, ultimately, bad for business,” said Ambassador Munter to farmers in Zajecar after a USAID-sponsored training.

“Not only will these trainings help Serbia become more environmentally responsible, but they will also help Serbian Agribusinesses produce healthy products that can be enjoyed with confidence by consumers here in Serbia and in markets around the world,” he concluded.