Trade and Market Access

ADF’s trade and market access promotion activities provides Serbian producers with knowledge and skills to add value to their production for increased sales and revenues through:

• Product marketing by local brand recognition and high quality assurance programs;
• Standardization, food safety, and adopting the international ISO 9000 and 14000 Series and HACCP food safety systems;
• Study tours to neighboring markets, EU countries and the U.S.;
• Participation in international trade fairs and marketing events supported by FAS, FCS, governments and trade associations of Serbia;
• Promotion of higher value sales of already existing exports of higher priced seasonal fresh and value-added processed foods, and other niche markets such as snails, herbs, and honey;
• Assistance in negotiating future sales contracts for cooperatives that are growing and advancing with more modern production practices.

HACCP and ISO Certification Program

HACCP and ISO certification is required for most food exports to EU countries and will be required for all food exports to the EU by 2009.To increase Serbian export opportunities, ADF supports a country-wide food quality certification program. And has provided training for  Serbian companies, cooperatives and businesses. Many ADF-sponsored companies completed the certification process and introduced ISO/HACCP integrated system into their enterprises.

ADF also worked with the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and the Provincial Secretariat for Economy to provide training and consulting services for 44 companies to implement ISO standards (management, employee safety and environmental protection, proprietary information). The project was successfully completed, resulting in 15 companies having obtained ISO certificates while the other businesses are expected to be certified in 2007.

Best of Vojvodina Branding and Certification Program