Development association NERDA Tuzla successfully implemented the project "Establishment and development of the Regional Network of Agribusiness Centres" that was in scope of the Strategy of the regional economic development (November 2004) and was on the top ten list of projects of that document.

Project established five agri-business centers that work as the Network on the whole area of NE BiH, which enabled strategic approach to the development of small and medium enterprises in the agriculture sector. Beside that, agri-business centers offer coordinated support in preparing those companies for entering the EU market.

GOALS

General goal of the project was to contribute to the sustainable development of the agriculture secotr in the process of preparation of BiH for accession to European Union.

Specific goal og the project was to contribute the economic development of the North-East region by establihment of the operational network of the agri-business centers that will support the development of the SMEs in the agriculture sector.

 AGRI-BUSINESS CENTERS SERVICES

• Development of a database of legal entities relevant for the work of agribusiness centers; database is populated through questionnaires.
• Overview of the supply of production material and equipment for agricultural production (of seed, seedlings, chemical protection products, mineral and organic fertilizers, concentrated cattle food, mechanization with attachments, green houses, irrigation systems, protection foils, etc.)
• Linkages between markets in the region (fairs, exhibitions, promotions, professional meetings)
• Standardization of production (education on standardization and institutions authorized for standardization procedures and issuance of certificates)
• Professional education of business owners, introduction of new technologies into the process of production for the purpose of achievement of a wider scope of production and higher quality (seminars, workshops, study tours)
• Informing the business owners of the issues relevant for upgrading their businesses (public tenders, linkages with national and international institutions and agencies that could provide them with technical or financial assistance)
• Informing about technical/technological achievements
• Informing about changes in national legislation

BENEFICIARIES OF THE AGRI-BUSINESS CENTERS

• Agricultural producers
• Processing industry
• Producers of packaging for agricultural products
• Transportation in agriculture
• Agricultural cooperatives
• Agricultural associations
• Other agro related SMEs

PARTNERSHIP ORGANISATIONS

• Association "Return and sustainable survival" Bijeljina
• Association of agriculture producers, engineers and technicians Gračanica
• Association of milk and meat producers "Farmer" Brka
• Municipality Bratunac
• Municipality Odžak

This project has been implemented with the financial assistance of the European Community. The views expressed herein are those of the author and can therefore in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Commission..