National Reference Phytosanitary Laboratory Opened

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Vladimir Joković attended today’s opening of the National Reference Phytosanitary Laboratory at the Biotechnical Faculty, where he addressed those present and highlighted the importance of this investment for improving scientific and agricultural infrastructure, food safety and the development of Montenegrin agriculture. More than four million euros was invested in the project through MIDAS 2. In addition to establishing modern laboratories for phytosanitary diagnostics, the project included adding a fourth floor to the Biotechnical Faculty building, constructing new spaces for professors and offices, and equipping modern classrooms for work with students. He stressed that a significant number of Ministry employees are former students of the Biotechnical Faculty, whose knowledge and expertise contribute to the development of agriculture and to the creation and implementation of policies and measures aimed at improving the sector. Establishing the National Reference Phytosanitary Laboratory is particularly important for protecting plant health, improving food quality and safety standards, creating conditions for the accreditation of laboratory methods, and obtaining internationally recognized diagnostic results. After negotiating Chapters 11 and 13 were provisionally closed last December with the support of the MIDAS 2 project, establishing this laboratory further contributes to meeting the conditions for closing Chapter 12 and aligning Montenegro’s agricultural system with European Union standards. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management will continue to support projects that connect science, education and practice, with the aim of improving domestic production, protecting consumers and strengthening the competitiveness of Montenegrin agricultural products on the European market.