BFC. Agriculture Finance Bulletin.
State Initiatives 1)
Russia ratifies free trade agreement between Serbia and the EEU
July 27th, 2020, http://www.agronews.rs/rusija-odobrila-slobodnu-trgovinu-izmedu-eaeu-i-srbije/
The government of Russia has ratified a free trade agreement between Serbia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). The agreement, once ratified by all EEUR member states, will replace the existing bilateral agreements with Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia as well as extend to Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. This will give Serbia duty-free access for most of its exports to a market of 183 million people. It should be noted that Serbia, as part of their signing of this free trade agreement, also signed a phytosanitary agreement with the EEU.
2)
New law on geographical indications for agri-food products expected
July 22nd, 2020, http://www.politika.rs/scc/clanak/458935/Neki-srpski-proizvodi-izgubice-oznaku-geografskog-porekla
Serbia is expected to adopt a new law on geographical indications for agri-food products. According to the language of the proposed draft, products that have not been produced within the last seven years would lose their geographical indication status. The rationale for the inclusion of this measure in the draft law is that there are a number of such products that are no longer being produced for one reason or another. At the same time, the Ministry of Agriculture has promised to work to revitalize each of these products if possible.
3)
Unecoop project promotes sustainable, green agriculture
July 21st, 2020, https://www.danas.rs/ekonomija/kako-pripremiti-poljoprivrednike
Unecoop began work last year implementing the GEAR – Green Economy for Regional Development project in Serbia. The goal of the project is to promote sustainable agricultural development at the local, regional and national level. To this end, Unecoop has been working to demonstrate practical examples of sustainable agricultural practices as well as working with local public figures to develop and implement green policies.
4)
RSD 250 million in state co-financing available for wine production investments
July 7th, 2020, https://www.danas.rs/ekonomija/za-proizvodjace-vina-u-srbiji-250-miliona-dinara-drzavnog-podsticaja/
The Directorate for Agrarian Payments has announced a public call for applications to receive state cofinancing for investments in the wine sector. Qualifying investments include those made for the construction of a winery and/or the purchase of new equipment. Co-financing is available up to 60% of the total cost of the investment up to RSD 30 million. A total of RSD 250 million is available under this call.
5)
Assessments to help settle cherry purchase price dispute
July 2nd, 2020, http://www.agronews.rs/uz-pomoc-mup-a-krece-kontrola-otkupa-visnje/
Agricultural and market inspectors, with assistance from the Ministries of Interior and Agriculture, have been tasked with performing a detailed control of all cherry purchase points in Southern Serbia to help Page 2
