Leaders of Serbian agricultural associations warn that rising prices of fertilizers, seeds, and other inputs are putting farmers under severe financial pressure ahead of the autumn sowing season.
Nedeljko Savić, president of the “Stig” Farmers’ Association, said that if the government implements the planned maximum retail margins on food, as announced by President Aleksandar Vučić, it should also include mineral fertilizers, seeds, and other agricultural inputs. He noted that prices for basic complex mineral fertilizers have risen from 54 to 64 dinars per kilogram, while sunflower seeds for one sowing unit (about 2.5 hectares) increased from €180 to €270, and rapeseed seeds from 9,000 to 11,000 dinars. Meanwhile, wheat prices remain around 21 dinars per kilogram, below production costs.
Jovica Jakšić, president of the Independent Association of Serbian Farmers, emphasized the difficult financial situation, noting that farmers are unable to even inquire about fertilizer and seed prices due to lack of funds. He highlighted that sunflower seeds in Romania cost €150–160 per sowing unit, while in Serbia the same seeds cost €250–300, and import restrictions prevent farmers from sourcing cheaper seeds abroad. Jakšić called for margin limits throughout the supply chain—from importers to retailers.
Dragan Kleut, president of the Banat Farmers’ Association, added that rural poverty and constant input price increases are preventing farmers from buying necessary fertilizers and seeds for the upcoming season. He warned that farmers may protest with tractors over low crop prices, particularly for sunflower, and the government’s lack of support amid ongoing drought conditions.
