The Twinning Project "Support to Establishment of Carcass Classification System in Line with EU Common Agricultural Policy" came to a successful conclusion with a closing conference held on November 23rd, 2023. This twinning project, which began in July 2022, marked a significant milestone in the journey of Serbia towards harmonizing its agricultural practices with European Union (EU) standards.
Throughout the twinning project, Serbia made substantial progress in developing and implementing a carcass classification system that aligns with the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. This effort has far-reaching implications for Serbia's agricultural sector, including improved quality control, enhanced market access, and increased competitiveness in the European market.
In these 18 months, the project has obtained a great result in the planned objectives, related to activities for the development of legislation, strengthening the capabilities of the public administration, training of meat industry and other stakeholders and calibration of classification equipment.
The closing conference was attended by key dignitaries and experts from the Republic of Serbia, by representatives of the Ministry of Finance, Sector for Contracting and Financing Programs from EU Funds (CFCU) and the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Water Management (MAFWM), as well as the Delegation of the European Union (DEU) in the Republic of Serbia. On behalf of EU Member states the ceremony was attended by H.E. Raul Bartolome Molina, Ambassador of Spain to Serbia, representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Spain, International and Iberoamerican Foundation for Administration and Public Policies, Spain and Food and Veterinary Service of Latvia.
Mr. Nenad Budimovic, from the Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the participants and was grateful to host the closing ceremony. Speakers highlighted the accomplishments and the importance of this collaborative endeavour.
From the MAFWM, Assistant Minister Mr. Nenad Katanic expressed their gratitude for the substantial support received from stakeholders and experts, highlighting the successful implementation of activities to establish a system aligning with market regulation rules for pig and beef carcasses. And emphasized the vital role of EU financial support, particularly through pre-accession funds, in driving reforms and advancing Serbia's path to EU membership and expressed the commitment to utilizing gained experiences for the continued enhancement of meat production in Serbia.H.E. Raul Bartolome Molina, Ambassador of Spain to the Republic of Serbia, spoke about the broader significance of the project in promoting EU-Serbia relations and fostering economic growth. He congratulated for the example of collaboration and knowledge transfer that this project has carried out, which has involved scientists, universities, the industrial sector and public administration.
Mr. Elgars Ozolins, Head of Operations III at EU delegation in Serbia, said that EU reaffirms its commitment to supporting Serbia in achieving common objectives in agriculture, rural development, and food safety through programs such as IPARD and other EU-funded initiatives.
The Spanish representatives, Mr. Pablo Bernardos and Mr. Alejandro Bueno emphasized the technical aspects of carcass classification, noting its role in fostering a transparent and reliable commercial system. The importance of mutual learning and shared experiences was emphasized, with the belief that Serbia will benefit from the implemented system. The collaborative project not only enhances professional capacity but also fosters a more open and comprehensive global vision through shared knowledge and experiences in Serbia.The closing conference provided an opportunity for project participants to share their experiences, exchange best practices, and discuss the challenges and opportunities in the implementation of the carcass classification system. The project's successful completion reflects the dedication of all involved stakeholders and paves the way for a more competitive and sustainable agricultural sector in Serbia.
The Twinning Project "Support to Establishment of Carcass Classification System in Line with EU Common Agricultural Policy" is a testament to the fruitful cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the European Union, contributing to the shared goals of aligning Serbian agriculture with EU standards and promoting economic growth and sustainability.