The Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG) in South-Eastern Europe within the SWG GIZ project: Rural development through integrated forest and water resources management in Southeast Europe: Rural perspectives: qualification, reintegration and (self) employment” (hereinafter “the Project”) supported presentation of agricultural producers from the cross -border region “Drina-Tara” and “Drina-Sava” at the 85^th Agriculture Trade Fair Novi Sad” held in a period from 15 till 21 May, 2018, Novi Sad, Serbia

The aim of this presentation was to support small-scale producers, joint presentation, cooperation with other value chain actors to enhance visibility and knowledge of local producers from the cross -border regions “Drina –Tara” and “Drina –Sava”. Through exhibition this Fair demonstrated how food and traditions can be drivers of economic development.

Seven producers of dairy products, herbs, juice, marmalade, jam, wheat, brandy from cross -border regions “Drina-Tara” and “Drina-Sava” from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro presented themselves at the SWG GIZ branded stand at the Agriculture Fair Hall 1.

Among others SWG stand at the Agriculture Trade Fair Novi Sad was visited by the Montenegrin Delegation led by Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of Montenegro.
Two agricultural producers from the CBR “Drina-Tara” and “Drina-Sava” has won prizes during the fair:

-Agricultural household Zeljko Macanovic, from the village Glibaci, Pljevlja, Montenegro has won the Golden medal for production of organic spelt wheat.

-Agricultural household “Gačica magaza”, with its unique product, rakija, “Deda Perina pruška” won the Great Gold Medal and the title of the champion in the category of fruit brandy producers. “Out of 160 specimens that were in competitive competition, for the first time in the last 10 years, someone who came with only one sample won the Great Gold Medal and took the championship of the group,” said Zoran Gačić for Mačva Info. In the name of the eminent jury, the award was presented by the President, Professor Ninoslav Nikičević, at the Congress Centre “Master” of the Novi Sad Fair. This and all previous successes are the products of the long-running work of Zoran Gacic and his household.

This Fair is one of the most significant events of its kind in the region. It is arranged to collect information necessary for resolving the current issues pertaining in the agricultural sector and was a good opportunity for promotion, viability and to establish new contacts.