Mandarin producers from the ‘Mandarina’ Association and buyers have reached an agreement on a guaranteed purchase price of 2.40 kuna per kilogram. The agreement ensures the purchase and marketing of all quantities offered on the market, and this year a record harvest of mandarins is expected, amounting to 50,000 tons.
Mandarins will start being purchased on October 1, 2008. Through the network of buyers in the Neretva Valley, a purchase of 40,000 tons is expected, of which 20,000 tons will end up in exports, while the largest part of mandarin production will be placed in legal market channels, which, according to the negotiators, will reduce the gray market. In accordance with this agreement, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development will propose to the Government that support of 0.50 kuna per kilogram be provided for the executed purchase at the minimum price. Thus, the total support from the Government of the Republic of Croatia for this year’s purchase of mandarins amounts to 20 million kuna. Last year’s purchase was executed in the quantity of 28,000 tons at a guaranteed price of 2.20 kuna/kg. This price increase covers the rise in production costs and preserves the income of producers, while simultaneously keeping the price of mandarins in the market at a level acceptable to domestic consumers, say officials from the Ministry. (Edis Felić)
