The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management has announced the signing of a cooperation agreement with several dairy and cattle breeder associations today at the Serbian government. The agreement was finalized in the presence of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević and was signed by Agriculture Minister Aleksandar Martinović.
The agreement, involving the “Association of Dairy Producers of Mačva District” from Varna, the “Association of Cattle Breeders of Central Serbia” from Bresnica, and the “Association of Limousin Cattle Breeders of Serbia” from Subotica, outlines several key initiatives:
- Legal framework for active farmers: By 2025, the Ministry will develop legal provisions defining the status of “Active Farmer” to align with European Union regulations.
- Non-discrimination and support: The agreement ensures that no farmers will be discriminated against. Instead, it will provide targeted support to those whose primary income comes from agriculture.
- Regionalization efforts: Following successful regionalization in viticulture, the Ministry plans to complete the regionalization for fruit growing by early 2026. Meanwhile, regionalization efforts for other agricultural sectors will commence.
- Incentives for breeding cows: An additional 100,000 dinars will be provided for first-time calving cows (primotelke) from the April 2024 public call for incentives, with the measure continuing in the future.
- Funding for breeding stock: The agreement includes provisions for adjusting financial support based on market conditions for breeding stock, both domestically and internationally.
- Support for dairy and beef cattle: Starting in 2025, incentives will be 55,000 dinars per breeding dairy and beef cattle, with this support continuing in the future.
- Diesel fuel allocation: The required amount of diesel fuel for various agricultural activities will be determined based on financial calculations within the budget limits.
- Farm investment and subsidies: Efforts will be made to secure financial resources for farm construction and equipment, and to allow farmers to qualify for subsidies for natural meadows and pastures.
- Public land leasing: Conditions will be reviewed to prevent excessive discrimination among farmers regarding the leasing of state-owned agricultural land.
- Support for women in agriculture: The agreement also focuses on encouraging and stimulating women involved in dairy production and agriculture.
- Strategic input: Agricultural associations will be involved in the creation of the Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy, contributing to regulations and improvement of cattle production.
- National cattle association: The Ministry supports the establishment of the National Cattle Association of Serbia as a model for organizing other agricultural sectors.
- Communication and cooperation: The agreement stipulates that the agricultural associations will handle future communications with the Ministry amicably, without resorting to street protests or traffic blockages.
The agreement aims to enhance the support structure for Serbia’s agricultural sector, improve farmers’ conditions, and ensure sustainable growth in cattle and dairy farming.
