52nd Plum Fair Opens in Gradačac: Goal is to Become the Central Autumn Agriculture Fair

(Patria) - The Prime Minister of Tuzla Canton, Irfan Halilagić, today opened the 52nd International Fair of Agriculture and Food Industry – Plum Fair in Gradačac. The organizer of the event is the Tourist Board of the City of Gradačac, and the patron is the City of Gradačac.

The ceremonial ribbon was cut by the Mayor of Gradačac, Hajrudin Mehanović, Prime Minister of TK Irfan Halilagić, official sponsor of the Fair MI 99, company director Indira Omeragić, and the Minister of Agriculture, Water Management, and Forestry of FBiH, Kemal Hrnjić.

"We want the Fair to be successful and bring new values, new ideas, and new collaborations to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. The Government of Tuzla Canton remains strongly committed to supporting farmers. We listen and are particularly sensitive to trends and the situation in agricultural production. Proof of this is that we have allocated over 15 million KM for incentives this year, and I can proudly say that Tuzla Canton is one of the few levels of government that regularly and continuously fulfills incentive measures, knowing how much security and timeliness in payments mean to farmers," said Prime Minister Irfan Halilagić.

Among other things, he emphasized that it is time to start talking about the agricultural sector at the level of state institutions, however unrealistic that may sound today. This initiative has been launched several times from Gradačac with the aim of giving the Bosnian-Herzegovinian agricultural sector the place and role it deserves. The goal of the Gradačac fair is to grow into the central autumn agriculture fair in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

At the opening of the Plum Fair, it was highlighted that Gradačac is today one of the most developed economic centers in the country with over 2,000 business entities and over 9,000 employees. Last year, it generated over 450 million KM in exports, placing Gradačac seventh in BiH and second in Tuzla Canton, with over 20 percent share in exports. Gradačac's foreign trade is one of the few positive examples in BiH, with imports covered by 10 percent more exports.

The Mayor of Gradačac, Hajrudin Mehanović, emphasized that they are proud of the fact that Gradačac is the Bosnian-Herzegovinian leader in plum production.

"Between 5,000 and 6,000 tons of plums are produced annually, of which over 3,500 tons are exported to the demanding European market. In addition to plums, the production of 2,000 tons of apples and pears, and slightly less cherries and sour cherries are the results of the work of our hardworking people," said Mehanović.

Ministers of agriculture in the governments of the Federation and Tuzla Canton emphasized that Gradačac is an extremely important local community where significant incentive funds are realized.

"Gradačac is perhaps the most dedicated to agriculture in BiH. This is also shown by the financial allocations from the Federal Government, which have doubled in the last two years. In 2022, we allocated 3.2 million KM, and in 2024, 6.2 million KM. I am convinced that the allocations in 2025 will be even higher," said the Federal Minister of Agriculture, Water Management, and Forestry, Kemal Hrnjić.

"In order to help our farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management and the Government of Tuzla Canton have provided timely financial support per hectare of established orchard, so that agricultural producers will not be deprived of financial support even though yields have decreased. This shows that our goal is to maintain the achieved level of production," said the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management of TK, Fedahija Ahmetović.

Former President of the Republic of Croatia, Stjepan Mesić, today praised the organizers and hosts for preserving the tradition of holding this significant event for the development of agriculture and the food industry.

"I am glad that the idea of holding the fair has been preserved and that so many exhibitors are participating in it. This is proof that this fair is not only important this year but represents a roadmap for future years, which will depend on the work of our producers and entrepreneurs," said Mesić.

Over the next four days, more than 150 exhibitors from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the region (Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Slovenia), as well as Germany and Turkey, will present themselves on approximately 5,000 square meters.

The acting head of the Tourist Board of the City of Gradačac, Sakib Imširović, said that the 52nd International "Plum Fair" in Gradačac this year gathers around 150 exhibitors from all parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region (Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro), as well as Germany and Turkey.

"The fairgrounds of 5,000 square meters will again be an excellent opportunity to meet new business partners and friends, to present your companies and products. I can state that we are satisfied with the structure of exhibitors and I believe that visitors, as well as potential business partners, will have something to see and learn," said Imširović.

At this year's Plum Fair, expert-scientific lectures by professors from the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science of the University of Sarajevo will be held, numerous sub-fair events are planned, such as the 8th International Beekeeping Fair with international participation, the First Competitive Exhibition of Dairy Breeds, as well as a series of professional and scientific conferences. There are also interesting outdoor exhibition areas for agro-mechanization and greenhouse production.

Before the start of the ceremonial opening of the 52nd Plum Fair, Mayor Hajrudin Mehanović organized a reception for dignitaries, guests, and exhibitors at the Tower of Husein-kapetan Gradaščević.

Tomorrow, medals for the quality of exhibited products will be awarded, and the Plum Fair will be open until August 30.

Patrons: Government of FBiH, Government of Tuzla Canton, Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science of the University of Sarajevo. Official Sponsor: Dairy Industry Mi99 d.o.o. Gradačac

Partner Cities: City of Živinice, Municipality of Sanski Most, City of Srebrenik, City of Gračanica. Sponsors: Lactalis BH, Development Bank of FBiH, Agroklub, ASA banka, Tourist Board of TK, Zemax, Auto servis „Omerčić“, Europlakat BH.