ASSESSING KOSOVO'S HORTICULTURAL POTENTIAL – THE MARKET FOR FRUIT AND VEGETABLES ON THE BALKANS

Kosovo had been a net exporter – at least of some – fruit and vegetables in the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia before the civil war. Current reconstruction efforts therefore focus on restoring the past horticultural potential of the now independent province. This paper analyses the competitiveness of the Kosovar fruit and vegetable sector. By calculating average net trade flows during 1996-2000 for more than 20 individual fruit and vegetables and seven aggregates, demand potentials for the Balkan regional market are identified for potatoes, lettuce, garlic, dried beans and pears. In addition, average export unit values are calculated as price proxies in order to assess export price competitiveness in the region. While demand potentials for locally produced fruit and vegetables clearly exist, the paper concludes that the overall competitive position of Kosovo's horticultural sector seems rather weak at the moment