The International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad is considered the most significant event of this kind in the Western Balkans, boasting almost a century of tradition. This year, the European Union was the main partner of the Agricultural Fair, attracting over 135.000 visitors.
The Delegation of the European Union in Serbia was present in Hall 1, at the EU Pavilion, during all fair days – from Saturday, May 18, to Thursday, May 23. Visitors had a chance to see more than 40 informative panels and workshops – numerous experts talked about quality food production, animal health, cultivation of cultivated plants, technological innovation, sustainable agriculture and more.
Several sessions on IPARD grants were designed for farmers and entrepreneurs who want to improve their business: how to successfully apply for the existing measures, and what kind of opportunities the expected IPARD III measures will bring.
From the stage of the EU Pavilion, experts from Hungary, Austria, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Denmark – shared their insights on agricultural practices from their countries. A great contribution was made by partners from all over Serbia, primarily experts from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Directorate for Agrarian Payments – that comprehensively presented the new IPARD III cycle of EU grants for farmers in Serbia.
All in all – more than 100 speakers, around 1200 participants, over 40 panels, and 35 EU companies who presented their innovations and solutions – were at the EU Pavilion.
EU Kitchen
Besides the informative and educational activities at the EU Pavilion, visitors had an opportunity to be part of more fun, laid back and delicious activities – the EU Kitchen brought to Novi Sad authentic tastes of the European countries.
German sausages, Polish pierogi, and Balkan gibanica – this was prepared live on the second day of the Fair in the EU Pavilion. Plamena Halacheva, Deputy EU Ambassador to Serbia, German Ambassador to Serbia – Anke Konrad, with the help of a chef prepared lunch for the visitors, and the guests were served by the Polish Ambassador to Serbia – Rafal Pawel Perl.
Then, on the third day, Emanuele Giaufret and Tomaš Kuchta – Ambassadors of the European Union and the Czech Republic rolled up their sleeves in the kitchen. Visitors had a good time with Prague ham, Czech beer and arancini – a Sicilian snack.
The Ambassador of France in Serbia, Pierre Cauchard, also cooked, and the visitors were greeted by the Ambassador of the Netherlands Joost Reintjes, who presented a Dutch specialty – poffertjes pancakes.
Tyrolean grostl and bryndzove halušky – were a hit on the fifth day of the Agriculture Fair, and they were prepared in the EU Kitchen by Christian Ebner, the Ambassador of Austria to Serbia, and Monika Podsklanova Šuhajdova, Deputy Ambassador of Slovakia.
Important guests
The EU Pavilion was honoured to welcome high representatives of the European and Serbian institutions. EU Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski attended and spoke at the Fair’s opening ceremony, joined by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Miloš Vučević, the General Director of Novi Sad Fair, Nikola Lovrić, the President of the Provincial Government, Maja Gojković, and the Mayor of Novi Sad, Milan Đurić.
The European Union supported Serbian agriculture with EUR 175 million before the start of IPARD II. The ongoing IPARD III programme will bring even more opportunities for Serbian farmers and another EUR 288 million of EU support. The main objectives of IPARD support include increasing the competitiveness of Serbian farmers, preserving the environment and biodiversity, supporting rural businesses and communities, and developing rural infrastructure.