44th Plum Fair Opens in Gradačac

Prime Minister of the Federation of BiH Government Fadil Novalić opened the 44th International Agricultural and Food Industry Fair – Plum Fair in Gradačac, reports Patria News Agency.

In the presence of numerous officials, exhibitors, and residents of Gradačac, Fadil Novalić and Prime Minister of Tuzla Canton Bego Gutić cut the ribbon and opened the fairgrounds.

Around 300 exhibitors from BiH, neighboring countries, as well as Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Turkey, and Germany will present their products and services on approximately 4,500 square meters of indoor and outdoor exhibition space. In addition to the exhibition part, a series of professional lectures and presentations from the field of agriculture and food industry will be held this year as well.

- This event opens up the possibility for all actors in agricultural production, farmers, experts, scientists, and holders of executive functions to gather in one place. Agriculture is one of the functions supported by the government. We see such events as an opportunity to discuss the potentials of our agriculture, unpleasant changes, and ways to encourage progress. The Plum Fair is proof that people here work hard and persistently, and do not give up on their vision. We are responsibly working to ensure that agricultural production is legally regulated so that farmers do not depend on temporary or current measures or any executive authority. We strive to increase investments and allocate as much money as possible to agriculture, and this year alone we have allocated 68 million marks for this at the federal level.

During our term, we have managed to significantly reduce the debts that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture had for many years. We are working on protecting domestic agricultural producers and increasing competitiveness, and we are legally regulating an area that has been neglected until now. For the first time, we have recognized farmers as equal actors in society, especially when it comes to food consumption - said Prime Minister of the FBiH Government Fadil Novalić.

The Prime Minister of Tuzla Canton said that the TK Government is investing about eight percent of its budget in agricultural production this year, and hopes it will be 10 percent next year. He emphasized that the Plum Fair has not only economic but also tourist significance and invited exhibitors and guests to visit the cultural and historical sights and monuments of Gradačac and TK.

Former President of the Republic of Croatia Stjepan Mesić, who is attending the fair in Gradačac for the fifth time, said that this is a very beautiful and well-maintained city, like some in Austria and Switzerland. Speaking about the current situation in the region, he stressed that countries that have not yet joined the EU should do so as soon as possible, as it is currently the best economic and political club in the world.

- The fair in Gradačac has succeeded in transforming from an exhibition into a place where business is done and new partners are made - said Stjepan Mesić.

On the first day of the fair, in cooperation with the EU ProLocal program, a presentation titled "Advantages and Inevitability of a Joint Market Approach" will be held, with Miloš Pajić, a marketing expert, as the speaker.

Visitors will be able to see presentations of the latest products and services in the field of food and beverage production and processing, agricultural machinery, and protective agents. The Gradačac blue nights will be complemented by a rich and interesting cultural and entertainment program.

This year's 44th International Agricultural and Food Industry Fair - Plum Fair will be held from August 23 to 27 in Gradačac.