Montenegro and Food: Why Are We Importing €31 Million of Chicken While We Can Produce More?
The Import That’s Choking Us
Did you know that Montenegro imported chicken worth a whopping €31 million last year? Yes, you read that right – 31 million euros! While our country drowns in imports, one company from Bijelo Polje, Mesopromet, produces about 1.1 tons of chicken meat annually. But that’s nowhere near what could be.
The Capacity Is There, But…
Mesopromet’s owner, Hilmo Franca, claims it’s possible to increase production and reduce import dependence. Their company employs nearly 200 workers and accounts for 25-30% of domestic food production. But, as Franca says, production has stagnated for years. Why? Because the government doesn’t provide enough support or proper incentives.
Can We Be Self-Sufficient?
Mesopromet plans to increase production to around 2 million tons by the end of next year, which could fully or partially replace imports. But the problem is they don’t have premiums for raising calves or other incentives that would help boost production. Without government help, it’s hard to expect change.
Agriculture as a Strategic Task
Increasing food production is a strategic task for every country, and Montenegro has the potential to achieve it. But until policies change and domestic producers get support, we’ll keep throwing millions of euros on importing food we can produce ourselves.
What Do You Think?
Is it possible that the government will finally realize how important it is to invest in domestic food production? Or will we keep watching money leave the country while our farmers barely survive? Drop a comment, maybe together we’ll find a solution or at least get a good laugh at this absurd situation.
This is just one example of how politics and economics in Montenegro make strange bedfellows, while ordinary people lose out. Is it time for change, or will we keep seeing imports as the savior?
