Montenegro has introduced Farm2Fork Montenegro, an initiative involving retailer Voli, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Italy’s state-backed development institution CDP, aimed at strengthening agricultural supply chains and expanding market access for domestic food producers.
The project was presented at the EU–Montenegro investment conference. Its participants include Voli, the EBRD, CDP and Italian partners. The initiative focuses on improving food processing, logistics and access to European markets. However, no overall investment value, financing package or implementation timetable has been announced.
Strengthening Domestic Agricultural Supply Chains
Montenegro imports a significant share of the food consumed by households and its tourism industry, despite having domestic agricultural production and substantial seasonal demand. Small farms often lack the production scale, certification, cold-chain infrastructure and predictable purchasing contracts required to supply major retailers or enter export markets. Farm2Fork is intended to connect agricultural producers with buyers, processors, logistics providers and financing.
For Voli, more structured domestic sourcing could reduce reliance on imported food while strengthening local supply chains. For farmers, longer-term purchasing agreements could improve the business case for investments in equipment, greenhouses, storage and processing facilities.
Development Finance and Export Opportunities
The involvement of the EBRD and CDP could support investment in agribusiness infrastructure if the initiative advances to financing. Development institutions can provide loans, guarantees and technical assistance for projects that commercial banks may consider too fragmented or risky. Potential investment areas include cold-storage facilities, food-processing plants, logistics centres and certification systems.
Expanding exports is another objective, as Montenegro’s relatively small domestic market limits agricultural producers’ growth unless they reach customers abroad. Progress towards EU accession is expected to reduce some trade barriers while requiring compliance with stricter food-safety, traceability and quality standards. Investment in production and supply-chain infrastructure could therefore strengthen domestic competitiveness and prepare Montenegrin producers for access to the EU single market.
Farm2Fork remains at an early stage, with no signed loan agreement or confirmed capital commitment disclosed. The next step would be the establishment of a defined financing facility or the identification of companies and infrastructure projects for investment.
