Ricalo stifles the hopes of raspberry producers: The prize cannot be changed

Corn producers constantly raised their concern for the low price they have on the market this year, and Agriculture Minister Nenad Rikalo held several meetings, promised to act.

Already, he has surrendered. When the honeys are running out, he says they don't have a solution to the issue. He says they're gonna try, but as far as their market price is concerned, he's cut off the manufacturer's expectations.

Ricardo, questioned by KosovaPress, has said that the price of raisins sets the market, and according to him, are trying to resolve the demand of producers, which one of these ways is the signing of the USAID agreement for support of the agriculture sector, specifically for the chain of produce and herbs in Kosovo.

“Work on developing the raspberry sector, assistance in this difficult year is trying to solve in many ways, and what we have signed today is one of them. Additive farmers who receive subsidies of 400 euros (for a hectares) have to receive or are soon paid. In collaboration with the collection centers, we will help to make the most quality of their products and go to market faster. The price of these products does not require the Government or the Ministry, the price defines the trade, we can in different ways help, but for the price someone else appoints, we cannot”, the minister said.

He speaking of the agreement reached today and its importance has encouraged farmers that this ministry aims to help achieve sustainable development and efficient use of natural resources.

This three-year contract will help agricultural producers produce raisins, berries and fragrant herbs to take an important step in quantity and quality of production. Export opportunities will increase, a better position on the market, long-term contracts that will guarantee safety and cost or production price. I want to thank everyone in the Ministry of Agriculture and USAID who have worked hard on preparing this programme and wish for a successful realisation so that farmers can quickly see the benefits of these initiatives to improve and develop the agricultural sector”, the agriculture minister has said.

While, Director of the U Mission AID in Kosovo, Lisa Magno, said that with this agreement, USAID is now entering into a direct partnership with the Government of Kosovo, specifically with the Ministry of Agriculture, which in the short term will increase production and export.

We've received very excellent co-operation from the Ministry of Agriculture. This partnership is extremely important to bring in our common resources with the highest level of transparency, influence and efficiency in order to give a boost to agricultural products and exports. We are very passionate about Kosovo's extraordinary agricultural potential and there is a lot of passion in our mission for this. First of all, I'm very happy that you can enjoy the cobbles and raisins that are produced here in Kosovo. And Kosovo has a very good destiny that has very fertile soil with a strategic location of”, Magno has said.

It shows that this agreement amounts to 3.8m euros, said USAID's agricultural work is much broader than this agreement.

Director of the U MissionAID added that they will continue to support the agriculture sector, in general economic development, which will benefit the whole society, because the economic future of the people of Kosovo, according to it, is here, because agriculture is a very important part of this economic development, and this can make changes in the lives of Kosovo citizens. /