Climate change and geopolitical challenges are increasingly affecting Serbian agriculture. Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Serbia has lost access to key markets and is now seeking to reestablish trade with non-aligned countries. State support is seen as essential for improving production and exports.
Drought has severely damaged crops such as corn and sunflower, leading to yields that often do not cover harvesting costs. Farmers are struggling to balance rising production costs, which have increased by nearly 40%, with declining yields and stagnant prices.
Many agricultural cooperatives are adjusting their sowing structure to focus on more resilient and profitable crops. Winter crops, irrigation systems, and less sensitive spring crops are being prioritized, while crop insurance is encouraged. Investment in development continues cautiously, including solar panels, modern storage facilities, and precision agriculture technologies. Cooperatives also support small farmers through shared machinery models.
Advanced technologies like drones are still limited, as basic infrastructure such as large-scale irrigation and land consolidation are necessary for competitiveness. Livestock farming is highlighted as critical for soil fertility and overall agricultural sustainability.
Analysts emphasize that Serbian agriculture is not treated as a strategic sector. Past record yields for wheat, corn, and sugar beet serve as benchmarks, but recent droughts have caused losses of around €9.5 billion since 2020. Scientific development of new crop varieties is needed to prevent further yield declines by 2050.
Food sovereignty is declining, particularly in livestock. Corn consumption has dropped due to fewer animals, and Serbia relies heavily on pork and milk imports. Experts argue that the new agricultural strategy should prioritize restoring self-sufficiency in food production.
Global market disruptions force Serbia to seek new export opportunities, yet systemic and long-term support is necessary. Frequent changes in agricultural leadership since 2000 have hindered stable policies and scientific progress, leaving farmers vulnerable to climate and market pressures.
