This year as never, quality apple in Kosovo

We all need to mobilise to make local producers feel good about their work. It is up to producers to produce the amount of apples Kosovo needs, but also for export; to produce quality apples; to increase profits and to consider the health of our citizens. Meanwhile, merchants must primarily supply consumers with trees from places that are quality and fresh. The task of institutions is to protect local producers as well as facilitate the sale of local apples. The consumer must believe in the quality of local products. Dear consumers, at every point of sale seek first local products”, said Maxhun Shehuaj, director of the Association of Fruit Cultivators.

Manufacturers have also complained about the notial practices of fruit traders. They have shown that there are cases when traders generate a profit of 50%, 100% and sometimes more than 200% of the supply price at the expense of producers and consumers. They have expressed gratitude to businessmen who have shown consideration and support for local producers in this area. Cultivators have called on consumers to pressure those traders who, while doing business, speculate at the expense of consumers and society in general.

About two thousand hectares are planted in apple culture, which has been established mainly in the last decade. Local and foreign investors have invested millions of euros, based on government schemes through grants and subsidies and foreign donors, with the aim of creating independence in the country's fruit supply. This year, commercial producers have been organised at the Association for Cultivating Fruits aimed at advancing trees in Kosovo and protecting the interests of treesmen.