Prijedorčanka unable to pay fruit growers due to delayed government funds

The company Prijedorčanka is unable to pay fruit growers for more than 2,000 tons of pears due to a delayed 1 million KM payment from the Government of Republika Srpska. According to company owner Nikola Vukelić, the funds were part of an agreement reached on July 21 at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management, and Forestry to facilitate the purchase of industrial pear varieties.

The agreement stipulated that the government would provide the 1 million KM interest-free with a one-year repayment period. This support was a condition for the company to begin purchasing industrial pears, which are otherwise not competitive. While the company has funds to pay for recent purchases of Williams pears, plums, and apples, the lack of the promised government funds has stalled payments for the industrial pear harvest.

Dragoja Dojčinović, president of the Association of Fruit Growers of Republika Srpska, expressed concern, stating the government should have reacted more efficiently to prevent difficulties for growers already facing challenges from drought and hail. Additionally, Prijedorčanka reported logistical issues regarding a military-style bridge in Jablanica that prevents heavy trucks from crossing, causing damage to vehicles and necessitating cargo transfers.