Serbia has sustained its role as a leading cherry exporter in Europe, with revenues reaching nearly €59 million from the export of 42,600 tons of cherries last year, as reported by the Statistical Office of Serbia (RZS). The bulk of these exports were directed towards EU nations, prominently Austria, Italy, Hungary, Germany, and Croatia, with additional markets including Bosnia and Herzegovina and Russia. According to agroberichtenbuitenland, the export dynamics show a division between fresh and frozen cherries, with 3,321 tons of fresh cherries generating €7.6 million, whereas 32,543 tons of frozen cherries accounted for €45.1 million in revenue. In contrast, cherry imports stood at 2,017 tons, valued at €2.9 million, predominantly originating from Germany, North Macedonia, Romania, and the Russian Federation.
Continuing this trend, the first quarter of the current year saw Serbia exporting 11,504 tons of cherries, amounting to €17.8 million, against imports of 273 tons worth €402,000. The major importers for frozen cherries this period were Russia, Germany, and France. Notably, all 40 tons of fresh cherries exported during this timeframe were destined for Germany. Serbia's annual cherry production is estimated at 90,000 tons across 17,000 hectares, with the Toplica region being a significant contributor to this output.
However, the agricultural sector, including cherry production, is increasingly impacted by climate change, with Serbia experiencing severe droughts and extreme rainfall since the turn of the century. These climatic challenges have led to economic losses exceeding €6 billion, affecting agriculture, water resources, and public health by reducing crop yields, increasing wildfire risks, and causing water shortages and land degradation.
Source: www.agroberichtenbuitenland.nl