Food or Import? Montenegro and Mesopromet Fighting for Local Production!
Did you know that Montenegro imported frozen chicken worth a whopping 31 million euros last year? Yes, you read that right – 31 million! While money flows out to foreign hands, local production stands still, and Mesopromet from Bijelo Polje, producing 1.1 tons of chicken meat annually, claims it can do much more.
Mesopromet – The Hero of Local Production?
Hilmo Franca, owner of Mesopromet, doesn’t hide his ambitions. His company employs nearly 100 workers and contributes 25 to 30% to the domestic food production. However, Franca says production growth has stagnated in recent years despite huge potential. Their farms and cooperative farms currently raise about one million poultry, aiming to reach two million tons by the end of next year.
Why Isn’t the State Helping More?
Franca emphasizes that the state needs to pay much more attention and support agriculture. Without adequate incentives and support, local producers remain stuck while imports continue to dominate. Mesopromet could, within 5 to 6 years, fully or at least partially replace chicken imports, but only if it receives proper support.
Calves and Cattle – Another Problem
Besides chicken, Mesopromet is involved in cattle fattening. However, the problem lies in importing calves and the lack of premiums for local producers. Franca says they could produce and buy much more, but without state help, it remains just a wish.
What Does This Mean for Montenegro?
Increasing domestic food production is not just an economic issue but a strategic task. Reducing import dependence means a stronger economy, more jobs, and a safer future. But until the state recognizes this problem as a priority, money will keep leaving the country, and local producers will struggle without support.
Conclusion
Montenegro has the potential to become self-sufficient in food production, and Mesopromet is an example of how that could look. But without state support, it all remains words and wishes. Will anything change? Or will we keep watching millions of euros flow out for frozen chicken imports?
If you have thoughts on this or maybe a great recipe with local chicken, feel free to drop a comment – let’s see who’s for local and who’s for import!
