State Initiatives

1) Many disappointed in limited number of state subsidies for young farmers

November 19th, 2020, http://www.agronews.rs/drzava-da-ne-odbaci-vise-od-polovine-zahteva-za-subvencije/

The president of the Independent Association of Farmers of Serbia, Jovica Jaksic, has asked the Ministry of Agriculture to reconsider the rejection of applications for state subsidies for the purchase of agricultural machinery. Recently, Agriculture Minister Branislav Nedimovic announced that the state only approved 2,500 such applications (out of 5,500). The competition for funds was part of the state’s plan to boost support for young farmers (those 40 years old or under) by providing them subsidies of up to 70% for the cost of machinery. The confusion appears to stem from the fact that such funding was limited; however, this was not announced. Many young farmers, initially excited about the opportunity to receive support for enhancing their farmers, now remain disappointed.

2) Atlas of Serbia’s food industry to be created

November 18th, 2020, http://www.rtv.rs/sr_ci/ekonomija/aktuelno/nedimovic

Agriculture Minister Branislav Nedimovic has announced that the Ministry of Agriculture is working on the creation of the first atlas of the food industry of Serbia. The atlas is expected to help state officials and investors better understand production, capacities and storage capabilities in each part of the country. The Minister also announced a new decree designed to boost investments in and the use of new technologies in agriculture.

3) RSD 5.1 billion for agriculture under rebalanced national budget

November 10th, 2020, https://agrosmart.net/2020/11/10/mali-rebalansom-budzeta-51-milijarda-dinara-za-poljoprivredu/

Finance Minister Sinisa Mali announced a rebalancing of Serbia’s national budget for the purposes of further strengthening the country’s health system, the continued development of the country and a better overall future for Serbian citizens. This rebalancing includes the allocation of RSD 5.1 billion for agriculture. This decision was made to support the sector amid the COVID-19 pandemic given its importance to the country’s economy as well as the safety of all citizens.

4) Need for more processors to help family farms

November 6th, 2020, https://www.021.rs/story/Info/Biznis-i-ekonomija/257675/Kako-do-kupca

Serbia’s agricultural sector, once booming, has become a shell of its former self, leaving many farmers (especially small, family farmers) in a difficult position. Many smaller farmers are calling for state and investor assistance in the development of the sector, especially to increase the number of processors accessible to them. This is considered particularly important as it increases prices for products on international markets as well as establishes a healthy domestic “from field to table” market chain domestically.

It is estimated that about 800,000 Serbian family farmers would benefit from improved processing capabilities within the country’s agricultural sector.