Flower production in Serbia - perspective and development

Abstract

Flower production is one of the youngest branches of agricultural production. Historically, the cultivation of flower crops is as old as the human race. However, the production of flowers in the form we know today began in the middle of the 20th century. Flower production is classified in horticultural production, as the most intensive agricultural activity, which has a very important place in modern agricultural production and trade. In Serbia, the production of flowers has been growing in recent years and occupies an increasingly important place. The main regions of production are concentrated around large cities. The volume of domestic production does not meet the needs, so the import of flowers is still higher than the export. The reason for that is not the lack of expertise, but the obsolescence of facilities and technical means, unsatisfactory product quality, underdeveloped market as well as insufficient connection between science and practice. In the long run, the development of flower production in Serbia, regardless of its potential, is not possible without further development of infrastructure and human resources. In addition to good staff education and full commitment, it is necessary to adapt to modern technologies in order to ensure high profitability with good product quality, competitive in the market, as well as the involvement of all supporting structures by the state, through subsidies and programs aimed at encouraging and improvement of production.