BFC. Agriculture Finance Bulletin.
Private Sector 9)
12.5 million tons of biomass to go unused
November 26th, 2020, https://www.ekapija.com/en/news/3084705/a-total-of-125
After agricultural works have been completed on 3.47 million hectares in Serbia, over 12.5 million tons of biomass are expected to be left unused, including 9 million tons in Vojvodina. Biomass is a great unused energy potential for the energy independence of Serbia. It also helps reduce the emission of harmful gases and generates a number of direct and indirect employment opportunities.
10) Belgrade Food Show 2020 held November 23rd, 2020, http://www.agronews.rs/poceo-je-belgrade-food-show-2020/
The Belgrade Food Show 2020 officially was held in late November 2020 and featured panel discussions, lectures and interviews with representatives of key institutions and leading experts in the food industry. This was the third iteration of the international fair of high-quality food and, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was held in an online format for the first time. The Fair gave Serbian producers of high-quality food and beverages the opportunity to present their businesses and products as well as virtually meet with customers and distributors. The event was organized by the Association for the Promotion of Serbian Food, with support provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce.
11) COVID-19 pandemic has not impacted dairy production November 22nd, 2020, https://agrosmart.net/2020/11/22/pandemija-ne-remeti-proizvodnju-mleka/
The COVID-19 pandemic has not interrupted the work of the dairy sector, with dairy farmers noting that the production and delivery of raw milk is taking place as usual with no delays. This is important as milk production does not cease, and delays could lead to spoilage (and lost product). Moreover, dairy farmers also report that there have been issues with receiving payments for their production from processors. It is estimated that Serbia produces 4,300,000 liters of milk annually.
12) Meat imports twice as high as meat exports November 19th, 2020, https://www.021.rs/story/Info/Biznis-i-ekonomija/258883/Uvoz
According to the data provided by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the total export of meat and meat products in the first nine months of 2020 was valued at EUR 67.5 million. At the same time, the total import of meat and meat products in the first nine months of 2020 was valued at EUR 116 million. This represents a growth in imports against exports, which is mostly due to processors importing meat for their work. Imported meat has mostly come for the European Union, where the prices of pork meat fell due to African swine flu and the blockade of German sales in China.
13) High interest in organic food production November 19th, 2020, http://www.tanjug.rs/full-view_en.aspx?izb=606909
According to the National Alliance for Local Economic Development, requests for organic food production subsidies are twice as much for the funds set aside in the national budget for that purpose, indicating a growth and strong interest in organic production in the country. In fact, the total area used for organic production in the country has grown by 236% in the past ten years (although it still only accounts for 0.6% of all agricultural land in use). The main obstacles faced by organic food producers are high initial investments and demanding administrative procedures. Page 4
