At a press conference held on October 24th, 2019, it was announced that the Serbian Winemakers & Vinegrowers' Association was established during the summer and that the new Strategy for Development of Serbian Wine Sector 2020-2030 is under development.

The Serbian Winemakers & Vinegrowers' Association was created as an umbrella organization made up of representatives of all 12 regional winemakers' associations established so far in Serbia in accordance with the regulations governing the protection of geographical origin.

With the support of the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and the Government of Serbia, winemaking in Serbia is recognized as an important sector and therefore its functioning and support will be systematically regulated.

The strategy for development of the Serbian wine sector is expected by the end of November, and it will define development streamlines: incentives and subsidies for expansion of areas under vineyards in Serbia and procurement of winery equipment, systematic work on clonal selection and propagation of local grape varieties, investments in know-how and education of young oenologists and technologists, improvement of legislation, promotion of Serbian winemaking on local and international market.

Therefore, we are optimistic about the future activities of the Serbian Winemakers & Vinegrowers' Association, expecting that its operations will result in regular organized promotional activities of Serbian winemakers on the international scene.

It is worth recalling that there have been similar attempts before. VIVIS (Association of Winemakers and Vinegrowers of Serbia) was founded in 2008. The association, with approximately 50 member wineries, was actively engaged in drafting a new wine law in line with EU standards. VIVIS initiated promotional activities at local wine events, but without any support of the state and limited financial capacity, it was unable to reach international wine scene, and in the meantime, its activities ceased.

It seems that there is a growing awareness among representatives of the Serbian state and among local winemakers that winemaking sector means also positive branding and promotion of the country and that better functioning of the Serbian wine sector will bring numerous positive benefits to the whole society.

(PR)

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