SUBOTICA – Ambassador Michael D. Kirby presented  new equipment to the Subotica Public Health Institute’s food testing laboratory today. 

The equipment was provided through United States Agency for International Development assistance (approx. $95,000), and will be used to analyze local agricultural products for quality control, including the detection of pesticides.   

The newly furnished laboratory will perform the tests required by international and European Union standards to acquire export licenses.  As a result, the laboratory will improve the quality of regional food products and contribute to local economic growth. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Kirby said, "With the results of the tests performed in this laboratory, producers will be able to apply for export certificates, increase their sales, and add jobs, contributing to the economic growth of the entire region.” 

Mayor Maglai thanked USAID for the support to the Subotica Regional Public Health Institute noting, "that joint USAID-supported activities in Subotica and neighbouring partner municipalities Kanjiza and Sombor will strengthen the local economy and the connections between the city and these municipalities.  Thanks to the laboratory we expect a significant increase in exports of agricultural products.”

The Director of the Subotica Public Health Institute, Morana Mikovic, added “that besides contributing to increased sales, the laboratory will also help improve public health in this region.”