As Factor of Rural Development Support

Apple production has great importance for agriculture of Republic of Serbia, as for processing industry and other followed industries. For this kind of production excellent conditions exist, but also specific problems in production organization, products selling and financing of plantation establishment are presented. Regardless to insufficient use of available natural resources in apple production, it has great potential for export and development of small processing capacities, so it might be relevant factor in stimulation of rural development. Analysis showed that areas under apple are growing in Serbia, as total quantum of apple production. That is caused by increment of apple trees number and with increment of yield per one tree. By using of trend method is estimated that in next period can be expected further growth of apple production in Serbia, what is confirming importance of this fruit species for rural development. In manuscript, group of measures that can notably stimulate and improve this kind of production, are also mentioned.