The food market is one of the most propulsive and demanding in terms of product quality; certain adjustments to quality standards and owning certificates that prove quality are implied.

As part of negotiations between Serbia and the EU, regulations from Chapter 12 – food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policies, are quite numerous and extensive. For years, Serbia has been trying, with much success, to coordinate its law regulations with the policies and directives of the European Union. Much has been accomplished, but there is still immense work to be done – this is the conclusion from today’s VIP talk panel – Food Quality in Serbian and the European Union.

The European Union has funded many projects about the safety of food, most of which referred to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management. Among else, we have financed the procurement of equipment for laboratories to follow the EU food safety standards, veterinary institutes as important links in the chain of food safety, and a series of training programs for employees from relevant departments – the ministry, the inspection offices and institutes. Significant progress has been made in terms of food quality and safety. - assessed the project manager of EU Delegation to Serbia Andrej Papić.

Branislav Ranketić from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management said that by the end of the year, a vast set of laws referring to food safety and food quality is planning on being implemented, some of which will bring changes in the current law about food safety and vegetation protection. The Ministry of Agriculture has, according to Mr Ranketić, in the process of coordinating food quality policies with the ones from the EU, included traditional Serbian products, 51 of them with PDO (protected designation of origin).

We would like such products to be promoted on home markets as well. We develop labels of product quality to help food producers add more value to their products. A big part of organic production is being exported into the European Union and other more demanding markets, which proves we can keep up with the high standards of food quality. - concluded Ranketić.