Organic raspberries in Serbia

Abstract

This paper aims to make an in-depth analysis of organic raspberry farming in the region of “Sumadija and Western Serbia”. The production takes place mostly on small farms, family-owned households, where the average farm possesses 0.25 hectares under this perennial crop. This paper will examine the distinguishing features of organic raspberry production, with facts and statistics. Serbia represents one of the major producers of the raspberry in the global market with about 80,000 tonnes of raspberry exported annually. Based on that fact, raspberry is usually called “red gold”, and production has top priority in agriculture nationally. The focus will be on the connections of elements that form the organic raspberry supply chain, their interrelated functioning and relative performance. Based on the previous premises this paper will discuss the relative sustainability performance of different aspects of the organic raspberry supply chain. Therefore, we will discuss the economic, environmental and social sustainability issues related to organic raspberry production in Serbia. Particular attention will be given to the kind of relationship farmers have with their buyers (intermediaries). Currently, improving the unfavourable relative bargaining power of primary producers is the most important issue of supply chain sustainability.