MANUFACTURERS GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS - THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE MARKET

This year's Conference for Fruit and Vegetables Business Sector which accompanies Targi Kielce's Horti-Tech on 21 November featured the Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics National Research Institute experts who discussed the export of Polish apples issues in the season 2017/2018. The increasing role of the eastern markets has been highlighted.  The well-known and respected expert professor Eberhard Makosz, Chairman of the Board of the Society for the Development of  Dwarf Fruit Orchards was presented the award for lifelong scientific work. Professor presented the situation in the EU's apple market.  He pointed out that apples  harvesting yield in the European Union was smaller, which may be an opportunity for the Polish market.  The Ministry specialists presented the initiatives undertaken to regulate and support the fruit and vegetable sector.  The most important of these is the creation of producer organizations and groups.  According to forecasts, the number of such organizations will increase to 50 by next year. It was emphasized that a common goal supported with a well-organized economic activity can make a visible impact on the market.  The newly appointed secretary of the Polish Union of Fruit and Vegetables Growers outlined the Polish fruit and vegetable growers' current situation in relation to the global markets. Opportunities and threats for Polish fruits and vegetables producers  were also outlined by   Witold Boguta - Chairman of the National Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producers Groups.   Everyone stressed the need to prevent the decline in fruits and vegetables consumption in our country. Educational programs for young people designed to maintain healthy eating habits are the answer. The government institutions' implementation of EU programmes may also be of help.

(MM)