Serbian Milk Processors Sign Agreement with European Dairy Association to Boost Milk Processing in Serbia

The dairy sector in Serbia is of vital economic importance, said Milos Milovanovic, the Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Trade, Forestry and Water Management. He said his ministry would continue to support the dairy sector to the best of its ability.

Feb 6 2012 --- Serbian National Milk Processors Association (SEDA) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the European Dairy Association (EDA) to promote milk processing in Serbia and provide a framework for cooperation between the two associations.

By joining EDA, SEDA members will participate in European Union-led dairy forums and interact with milk producers facing similar challenges. The memorandum was signed by SEDA President Zoran Matic and EDA Secretary General Joop Kleibeuker.

The dairy sector in Serbia is of vital economic importance, said Milos Milovanovic, the Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Trade, Forestry and Water Management. He said his ministry would continue to support the dairy sector to the best of its ability.

Susan K. Fritz, the Mission Director at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Serbia, congratulated SEDA’s eight member dairies for their vision and determination to form their association. “Although it is difficult to collaborate with your competitors, you have recognized that there is strength in numbers – and joint representation,” Fritz said, adding that USAID has been providing support to Serbia’s dairy sector for a decade.

The signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation will further improve the prospects for export to the EU, said Zoran Micovic, the Director of the Veterinary Department.

SEDA was established in November 2011. Its eight members – Sabac Dairy, Megle, Kuc Dairy, Ekomlek Dairy, Nis Dair, Lazar Dairy, Muza Dairy, and Leskovac Dairy – purchase milk from nearly 11,000 farmers and process 600,000 liters of milk daily. They employ nearly 1,300 people.

SEDA, which was established with assistance from the USAID Agribusiness Project, seeks to increase productivity and product quality and enhance the competitiveness of Serbian dairy products. The USAID Agribusiness Project has helped dairies meet international food safety and quality standards, introduce new technologies, and improve marketing and exports.