Montenegro is seeking to strengthen agricultural supply chains and expand access to European food markets through Farm2Fork Montenegro, an initiative involving retailer Voli, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Italy’s development finance sector.
The initiative was presented at the EU–Montenegro investment conference. Identified participants include Voli, the EBRD, Italy’s state-backed development institution Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) and other Italian partners. The programme aims to improve food processing, logistics and market access for Montenegrin agricultural producers. No overall investment value, financing package or implementation timetable has been announced.
Domestic Sourcing and Agricultural Supply Chains
Montenegro imports a substantial share of the food consumed by households and the tourism industry, despite domestic agricultural production and significant 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 could address these constraints by connecting agricultural producers with buyers, processors, logistics providers and financing institutions.
For Voli, one of Montenegro’s largest retailers, more structured domestic sourcing could reduce dependence on imported food while strengthening local supply chains. For farmers, longer-term purchasing agreements could support investment in equipment, greenhouses, storage and processing facilities.
Potential Role of EBRD and CDP Financing
The participation of the EBRD and CDP could become significant if the initiative develops into a financing programme for agricultural businesses and infrastructure.
Development finance institutions can offer 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.
No signed loan agreement or capital commitment has been disclosed so far. A defined financing facility or an identified portfolio of companies and infrastructure projects would represent a more concrete step towards implementation.
Export Access and EU Market Requirements
Expanding exports is another objective of the initiative, as Montenegro’s relatively small domestic market limits the growth potential of agricultural producers without access to foreign customers. The country’s EU accession process is expected to reduce some trade barriers while requiring producers to meet stricter food-safety, traceability and quality standards.
Investment in production, processing and logistics could therefore help domestic agricultural businesses improve their competitiveness while preparing to operate in the EU single market. Farm2Fork remains at an early stage, with its financing structure and implementation arrangements yet to be defined. The initiative’s proposed approach centres on linking agricultural production with processing, distribution and export markets.
