Following failed negotiations between raspberry growers and cold storage operators from Arilje, Mileta Pilčević, president of the Raspberry Producers Association “Vilamet,” expressed grave concerns to FoNet today. Pilčević warned that raspberry production is at a critical juncture, not just in the Arilje region but more broadly, as uncertainty looms over next year’s production.
According to Pilčević, the current issues reflect a longstanding problem. “For 40 years, this model of deceiving raspberry growers has persisted,” he said. “Producers are lured in with promises of good prices in the spring to encourage production, only to face indecisiveness and unsatisfactory prices when harvest time arrives.”
Pilčević criticized the latest offer from cold storage operators, which proposed a nominal increase of 10 dinars per kilogram. He argued that this adjustment is insignificant, noting that some buyers are already selling at the proposed price of 260 dinars per kilogram, making the so-called increase virtually meaningless.
He emphasized the dire situation faced by raspberry growers, who have been struggling financially for the past two years. Pilčević indicated that the producers had hoped for a price of at least 300 dinars per kilogram to sustain their operations. “Some buyers suggest that we should work for just three months a year and then stop, which is far from realistic for those of us who dedicate ourselves fully to raspberry farming,” he said. “Unlike those who take vacations, we work tirelessly throughout the summer.”
Looking ahead, Pilčević stated that the association’s board of directors and assembly will need to convene to determine whether to continue production next year. “We need clarity on the producer’s price before making any decisions about future production,” he concluded.
