Sustainable Agriculture and Food Value Chain

Agriculture is a sector that plays a multiple role in the development of the Montenegrin society and economy. Its economic importance is reflected in its high contribution to GDP (over 7.6%). Almost a quarter of the total number of employed persons in the country (about 25%) work on their family farms. Agriculture is, therefore, of crucial importance in sustainable development and mitigation of depopulation of rural areas, as well as in preservation of traditions. Generally, it forms the basis for entire food value chain (food industry and related sectors). Agriculture in Montenegro is characterized by diversity of production by regions and variety of agroecological and climatic conditions, which makes the diversity of cultivated plants and animal species possible. It is also characterized by the presence of a large number of autochthonous species and varieties of plants (2,883 plant species – 25% of the European flora on 0.14% of the Europe’s territory) and livestock breeds suitable for adaptation to the conditions of commercial breeding. The national agriculture is highly complementary with other priority sectors, and especially with tourism as the driver of all forms of agritourism and health tourism, through presentations of traditional gastronomy within the tourist offer context.

The specific development opportunities of national agriculture and the food value chain relying on it are reflected in: 1) creation of new value through sustainable use of local raw materials; 2) combination of tradition in food production with innovative technologies; 3) development of a range of local products to improve the overall tourist offer; 4) favourable conditions for organic production in line with Montenegro’s commitment to the concept of an ecological state; and 5) preservation of the environment, biodiversity and landscape.

National scientific and research institutions have professional staff and equipment at their disposal, necessary for applied research in agriculture. They also have rich databases on autochthonous plants and animals. Serious capacities for research and innovation in agriculture can also be found in the business sector, especially in the wine industry, which has achieved world-class results.