EN
From the 24 identified competitiveness’ factors of the fruit and vegetable sector 5 of them, characterized by a low degree of competitiveness, were thoroughly assessed. These factors are as follows: land productivity, technical infrastructure and investments, product quality and standardization, horizontal and vertical integration and market infrastructure. An increasing degree of competitiveness in terms of the above key factors will have a large impact on the other factors and thereby on the whole sector under study. Insufficient progression in organization of the co-operation between producers themselves as well as between producers’ organizations, is one of the main factors determining the low competitiveness of the horticultural sector. The improvement in co-operation has become the priority action as only well organized producers are able to become an equal partners in their dealings with customers - both at a national and European Union levels.