Montenegro has inaugurated a new agricultural services centre in Berane, with an investment of €1.6 million aimed at enhancing public services for farmers. This initiative is part of the country’s effort to improve rural administration in anticipation of its European Union membership.
The facility was established under the MIDAS 2 programme, which is backed by the World Bank. It integrates various functions, including regional agricultural administration, payment agency roles, technical advisory services, and oversight related to food safety and veterinary standards.
This centre will cater to producers from several municipalities, including Berane, Andrijevica, Petnjica, Rožaje, Plav, and Gusinje. By centralizing multiple services in one location, it aims to minimize administrative hurdles and enhance access to state support, technical assistance, and compliance processes for farmers.
Furthermore, the establishment of this centre plays a significant role in Montenegro’s EU accession strategy. The country will require robust agricultural institutions and efficient payment systems to effectively manage access to EU agricultural and rural development funds.
To achieve this, there is a need for enhanced administrative capacity that can handle farmer applications, monitor subsidies, and ensure adherence to food safety and veterinary standards. Thus, the Berane centre represents more than just a local facility; it is a crucial component of Montenegro’s broader strategy to prepare its agricultural sector for the regulatory framework and subsidy demands of the EU.
This project holds particular importance for northern municipalities where agriculture is economically vital but often characterized by small-scale operations facing challenges related to finance access, market reach, and technical support.
The Montenegrin government has been actively working on expanding agricultural infrastructure and services across the region. This suggests that such regional support centres may play an integral role in the country’s long-term rural development model.
However, for northern Montenegro, the key challenge remains in converting improved administrative capabilities into increased productivity, enhanced processing capacity, and more dependable access to both domestic tourism and export markets.
