BLUEBERRY PRODUCERS SELL ENTIRE HARVEST ON THE DOMESTIC MARKET

While official statistics show that blueberry exports from Bosnia and Herzegovina were almost negligible in the first quarter of this year, producers in Republika Srpska say there is no reason for concern, as they successfully sell their entire harvest on the domestic market despite rising costs and production challenges.

According to data from the Indirect Taxation Authority, only 324 kilograms of blueberries were exported abroad in the first three months of the year, with a total value of 2,746 BAM. In contrast, last year saw no exports during the same period, while total annual exports reached 284,000 kilograms worth 1.6 million BAM. Most of the blueberries were shipped to Italy, with additional exports to Austria, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Denmark, and France. The year before recorded even higher figures, with exports exceeding 1.5 million BAM.

However, local producers emphasize that all their output is easily absorbed by the domestic market.

Milana Kočić from the “Kočić” farm in Romanovci near Gradiška says the start of the season is promising, although production costs have significantly increased.

“The blueberries are developing well, with blossoms forming and the plants entering the flowering phase, which is expected for this time of year. However, rising prices of fertilizers and nutrients will inevitably affect the price of fresh fruit,” Kočić said.

She noted that it is still too early for precise forecasts, but current conditions point to a potentially good season. Blueberries, she added, are relatively resilient plants capable of withstanding temperature fluctuations.

The farm manages around 1.5 hectares with approximately 4,200 plants, and last year’s entire harvest was sold fresh on the domestic market.

“We do not process the fruit; everything is sold fresh, and we managed to sell the entire yield,” she added.

Speaking about challenges, Kočić stressed that they exist at every stage of production—from weather conditions and fruit quality to labor costs and overall expenses.

Prices currently range between 12 and 14 BAM per kilogram at the producer level, while retail prices in stores are significantly higher.

“There is often misinformation in public suggesting that blueberries cost up to 50 BAM per kilogram, which is not the case for producers,” she emphasized.

Despite increased costs, Kočić believes the business remains profitable.

“We are able to cover our expenses and operate without losses,” she concluded.

Simo Đukić, who grows organic blueberries near Banja Luka, says global price increases have not had a decisive impact on his production. He relies partly on natural, homemade preparations made from ingredients such as nettle, dandelion, garlic, and milk to protect plants and control pests.

As for the upcoming season, he stressed that it is still too early for concrete predictions due to unstable weather conditions.

“If April passes without frost and heavy rainfall, we can expect a better season than last year, when frost significantly reduced yields,” Đukić said.

He added that it is difficult to predict prices in advance, as they depend largely on supply and demand, with final figures becoming clear only once sales begin.

Not all producers share the same outlook. Ognjen Kudra from the village of Memići near Banja Luka was forced to halt production due to a disease affecting his plantation.

“Two years ago, we had to suspend production because of a blueberry disease,” Kudra explained, adding that a return to production is not currently planned, as a break and crop rotation are necessary.

He highlighted adverse weather conditions as one of the key challenges faced during production, although he noted that market placement had been satisfactory.

“Prices may have been slightly higher for consumers, but for producers they were actually quite good,” Kudra concluded.