Minister Šarović awarded "Golden Apple" for support to fruit growing

Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Mirko Šarović opened today the 15^th economic and cultural manifestation "Apple Days" in Goražde, a traditional manifestation whose purpose is to promote potentials in the field of agricultural and food production.

On this occasion, Minister Šarović was given the special "Golden Apple" recognition for long-term support to fruit growing and this manifestation.

“I think that this event is valuable and necessary, that it is important for the Ministry to look at this region and this fair because the apple is the most present culture in BiH after the plum. The incentives should be raised to a higher level and fruit growers should also be part of it. We know that most of incentive go for milk premiums, but fruit growing grows and deserves more support. I think that this support from the current 140 million should be raised to at least 300-350 million in order our fruits to endure the struggle with competition.”

The organizers of the fair expressed their gratitude to Minister Šarović, pointing out that no visitor to "the ordinary people" has caused such positive reactions as his, and that it is important that other officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina understand "that only such a way as his of performing an important state function can bring profit to the people and serve as a guideline for the future."

In terms of production, BiH is one of the leaders in the region and its average production of 70 thousand tons makes it a highly ranked country that exports high quality autochthonous apples across the EU. The “Apple Days” fair brought together more than 100 exhibitors from BiH, Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia.