The experience of the cheese factory “Monte Bianco” proves the importance of the EU support for Montenegrin farmers

Published on: Feb 19, 2024 • 9:14 AM Author: Nina Jakić
It is a busy morning at the “Monte Bianco” cheese factory in Danilovgrad. A dozen workers are making fresh mozzarella- type cheese, which they will distribute across Montenegro. “We deliver our cheeses to restaurants and shops that show interest in them, and we strive to keep our goods fresh. This mozzarella-type is very healthy due to its low fat content and can be used in pastas, pizzas, or it can be eaten fresh in various salads,” explained the technologist, Rade Savic. The “Monte Bianco” factory was founded in 2011. At that time, it only produced mozzarella-type chesse, while today it has over 20 different products. In addition to mozzarella-type, it produces semi-hard and mountain cheeses, and those in oil and with various additives such as peppers, herbs or nuts.
“Over eight years, the number of workers has increased from five to 20. Initially, we cooperated with only one farmer, and today we buy milk from dozens of Montenegrin farmers. We would process from 500 to 1000 liters of milk daily, to ten times the capacity now. Today, we are market leaders and we have achieved this growth thanks to our dedicated work, but also gratuitous support through the IPARD Programme,” said Dejan Radovic, the CEO of the company. So far, this cheese factory has used twice the support of the European Union and the Government of Montenegro via IPARD-like grants – the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance for Rural Development. The money was invested for capacity expansion and the acquisition of vehicles and machinery. “Our refining has grown by 40-50%, which means we have expanded our capacity and have expanded our presence in the market. This gives us support to plan on entering some new markets. You also start understanding what is important from a social point of view, like increasing the number of employees and increasing their salaries,” Radovic replied.

 Over eight years, the number of workers has increased from five to 20. Initially, we cooperated with only one farmer, and today we buy milk from dozens of Montenegrin farmers. We would process from 500 to 1000 liters of milk daily, to ten times the capacity now. Today, we are market leaders and we have achieved this growth thanks to our dedicated work, but also gratuitous support through the IPARD Programme 

This Danilovgrad cheese factory is one of more than 680 beneficiaries of the IPARD-like grants and IPARD Programme in Montenegro. So far, more than 9 million EUR public support reached the MNE agriculture via the IPARD-like grants and much higher budget is envisaged for the real IPARD Programme – €87 million, of which the EU provides €39 million, Montenegro €12 million, and the rest are IPARD beneficiaries. “I believe the Montenegrin agriculture can develop further and contribute to the revival of the rural areas. Taking into account the climate and the environments conditions in the country. There are very good opportunities, which the Montenegrin farmers and agribusinesses should seize. I strongly encourage them to apply for this IPARD financing,” advised the EU Ambassador to Montenegro, Aivo Orav. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Milutin Simovic, pointed out that 260 IPARD projects have been implementing at the moment, with a total investment of €27 million in primary production and processing. “All of these projects will be an important development impulse for our agriculture, will ensure the growth of its competitiveness and the adoption of new European standards for food quality and safety, new jobs, and the balancing of the regional development,” explained Simovic.

 I believe the Montenegrin agriculture can develop further and contribute to the revival of the rural areas. Taking into account the climate and the environments conditions in the country. There are very good opportunities, which the Montenegrin farmers and agribusinesses should seize. I strongly encourage them to apply for this IPARD financing 

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A second IPARD call for the so-called Measure 3 ‘Investments in physical assets concerning processing and marketing of agricultural and fishery products’ is underway, through which farmers will receive €15 million in grants. The call is open until 20th December. “We hope to get not only a great number of applications but also good quality ones, which can be contracted and then turned into viable agricultural projects. There is a big budget (€15 million) that we would like to see not just being contracted but also to make a difference into the processing facilities by upgrading them, and putting the sector into compliance with the EU food safety rules. This will also open further possibilities for better quality foods and for exports,” said, Nadia Kyuchukova, from the EU Delegation to Montenegro. The “Monte Bianco” plant plans to continue using IPARD funds. “I think IPARD is the best move that the European Union and the Ministry of Agriculture have done for the Montenegrin farmers. IPARD brings us many benefits, and will help us get the same treatment as other brands from the world when we finally join the EU,” said Radovic at the end of the interview.

The text and video are taken from the European House. You can watch the video here.

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