The Minister of Economy in the technical mandate, Adriana Mesarović, signed contracts with three private companies from Serbia, securing financial assistance from the state to support their ongoing production. The funds will go to “Midi Organic” from the village of Grgura near Blace, “Jović Winery” from Knjaževac, and the family business “Ajvar Radić” from Velika Plana, following a visit to these companies by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
A contract worth nearly 94 million dinars was signed with “Midi Organic,” which has been engaged in the production, purchase, and export of organic fruits since 1991.
“This loan arrangement was carried out through the Development Fund and approved with a repayment period of 60 months. The 12-month grace period will be enough for the company to secure placement in new markets,” Mesarović said.
She emphasized that the funds were secured just seven days after President Vučić’s visit, and the company, with 750 cooperators, exports to markets including the United States.
“This financial support will increase business operations and improve the overall business environment within the company,” the Minister of Economy noted.
Nenad Janićijević, the owner of “Midi Organic,” stated that this loan ensures the survival of his company and that the funds will be used to cover costs for producers and for organic plant protection products, which will be distributed for free.
“I would like to thank the president, the minister, and her team for preparing all the necessary documentation in an incredibly short period,” said Janićijević.
A total of 110,000 euros has been invested in the “Jović Winery” from Knjaževac, with the government providing 55,000 euros in non-refundable support. The winery, operating since the 1990s, processes grapes from its own vineyards at elevations up to 300 meters.
The Minister of Economy mentioned that the funds will be deposited into the winery’s account by Monday, and the state will also assist the winery in further promoting their products.
“We recently opened the Chinese market, which is particularly interested in Serbian wines,” Mesarović added.
Saša Jović, the winery owner, pointed out that the funds will be used to purchase new equipment, which he believes is essential for improving wine quality.
“The funds will go towards purchasing a pneumatic press and filling machinery, which will ensure the highest food safety standards,” Jović explained.
A total of 25,000 euros in non-refundable aid was granted to the family business “Ajvar Radić” from Velika Plana, which has been operating for 15 years.
Mesarović highlighted that the state would assist them in entering major markets, such as China.
“I am especially happy that today, with Mr. Radić, we signed a contract to support his small family company, which is crucial due to the high-quality ajvar they produce, which has already found its way into many markets,” Mesarović stated.
Vladimir Radić, the owner, mentioned that only two weeks after President Vučić’s visit, he managed to establish his business, which previously operated as a family farm.
“I will use the funds to purchase a cold storage facility, a delivery van, and to improve the farm, modeling it after ethno tourism so that guests from all over the world can come to us, make ajvar, and later buy it,” said Radić.
