The role of the food industry in the development of the agricultural sector

Abstract

Food Industry has a significant place in the structure of the entire Industry. Depending on the level of economic and agricultural development, as well as the raw material base, about 60-80% of primary agricultural production is processed and prepared for final consumption in the food industry. The term food industry implies the processing of plant, animal and mineral raw materials in order to meet the dietary needs of people. Considering the development of production orientations of the food industry, it can be seen that this industry is expanding its activities beyond the framework of traditional food production and has an increasing focus on the production of a full range of its own raw materials and auxiliary materials; whereby, constantly connecting with other branches and areas, establishing more permanent and stronger integration ties in the process of social reproduction (vertical integration). The processing industry of agricultural raw materials is one of the leading branches of the economy and represents an important resource for the development, not only of the agricultural sector, but also of the RS economy as a whole. However, analyzing this segment of the economy, it can be concluded that the volume, processing, degree of finalization, export and connection in the business chain, etc. is not even remotely used. Observing the trend of realized production in the analyzed period through the basic index of physical volume, it can be concluded that the basic index of 1,11 was achieved in meat production and processing; in fruit and vegetable processing 0,68; dairy production 0,62; manufacturing of mill products 0,98; manufacturing of bakery products and pasta 1,25; manufacturing of any remaining food products 1,02; manufacturing of finished animal feed 1,08 and in the production of beverages 1,25. Based on the analysis and presented data, the strategic goals of the RS food industry would be to increase the level of raw material utilization, revitalization of capacities by modernization of existing capacities, introduction of quality standards, new equipment and new technologies.