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Macedonians learn modern techniques to add value and
competitiveness to their table grape exports
 In
March 2009, ten participants from six Macedonian
table grape producers and marketers visited
their colleagues in South and Central
California, USA. California is one of the
largest table grapes exporters in the world.
During the ten days of this highly technical
study tour, AgBiz customers investigated and now
understand the modern, integrated production and
post-harvest systems that can be applied to
their enterprises and existing table grapes
varieties. This learning experience included
subjects to increase participants’ knowledge of
responsible agrichemical use, and the stringent
post-harvest residue requirements of
sophisticated markets.
The Tour combined class room training with
on-site visits that allowed participants to
learn about and observe advanced pack-house
operations and lay outs for fresh grape
handling, as well as the objectives and means of
establishing table grape marketing and trade
organizations.
AgBiz, in partnership with the University of
California - Davis, College of Agricultural &
Environmental Sciences, provided learning
experiences and extensive handout materials to
participants that will significantly enhance
their knowledge and understanding of the
production and post harvest handling
technologies applicable to their operations
which, if properly applied, will increase their
competitiveness.
“We received detailed information about the
whole process in the form of literature,
practical experience and in-the-field
demonstrations by UC-D Advisors. We had an
opportunity to follow the entire cycle from root
stock for planting through to packaged products
marketing.” said Ph.D Krum Boshkov from
Macedonian Faculty of Food and Science.
Macedonia’s largest table grape exporters had
the unique opportunity to visit one of the
largest wholesale produce markets in Los
Angeles, as well table grape operations in Palm
Springs and Bakersfield, well-known for their
high standard of table grape production. AgBiz
customers observed the application of modern
table grape production methods with an accent on
green pruning techniques. The group recognized
these measures as being especially important for
transfer to Macedonia to increase grape quality,
and thus improve competitiveness and achieve
better prices on export markets.
As a follow-up to the study tour, AgBiz
conducted a one day roundtable where the lessons
learned in California were presented, discussed
and shared with twenty-two participants from
nine Macedonian table grape producers and
traders, the Association of Fruit Producers and
academics, including 13 individuals that did not
participate in the Study Tour. Roundtable
participants identified opportunities to use the
lessons learned from the Study Tour to enhance
their table grape operations. AgBiz is planning
a demonstration program to confirm and
illustrate the application of these modern
practices.
“We had numerous positive experiences in
California that we must transfer and practice in
our businesses. This knowledge will lead us to
better organization of our work.”
Said Jordancho Gjorchev from “GD Tikvesh”
The study tour for Macedonian Table Grapes
Exporters to California was the second
international learning experience for table
grape AgBiz customers. In 2008 USAID’s AgBiz
Program supported a group of managers involved
in table grape production, consolidation and
exporting to conduct a study tour to South
Africa.
The combination of lessons learned in South
Africa and California has resulted in
accelerated and new investments in table grape
production, post harvest handling and packaging
and marketing technologies and practices by the
Ma-cedonian companies that participated in these
study tours.
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