Development of the apple sub-sector

A good, healthy "bite"

Andrija Sekulovski from the association "Apple sub-sector development group", greeted us in their offices in Resen and said:
-Today, 12 July 2003, we are officially opening the new office of the Association which has been operating for a month now. The opening of this office is part of the project "Market information system", though we standing in front of the former "Agroplod" offices.

The office which is fully equipped  (with a computer, printer, fax, scanner, office furniture) is financed by MEDF and CECI. The Association has 24 active volunteers. It was founded in May last year when it realized "The days of Macedonian apple" in Resen and published several brochures (Agro and pomotechnical measures in the apple orchard" and "Apple standards"). At the moment, the association is working on the project "Market information system" (PIS) which enables the provision of the office. PIS includes providing foreign and domestic consultant, preparation of a study for market development, five trainings and preparation of a software for the database with a questionnaire which covers the three target groups - producers, dealers and process workers.

Preparation of brochures with suggestions for small and family businesses, containing recipes with apples, is being planned for the future period. The brochures will also include a calendar for activities in the apple-orchard. The plans of the association include implementation of accounting training courses for farmers and assessing the profitability of farms, placement of apples at the large markets, as well as preparation of promotion materials for "The apple sub-sector development group", such as brochures, web-site, visit to fairs, establishing a contact network, target group catalogue, etc.