Once again, Serbian farmers are facing serious difficulties due to delayed state subsidies. Although government support is crucial for many, missed deadlines have forced them to finance key agricultural work on their own.
The new Minister of Agriculture, Dragan Glamočić, acknowledged the issue, revealing that only 14% of planned subsidies have been disbursed so far.
Mihajlo Stevanović, a farmer from Labukovo near Svrljig, who raises sheep and bees and grows corn and wheat, told Euronews Serbia that he has had to fund all spring fieldwork without state assistance. He noted that subsidies for livestock and beekeeping typically arrive in June or July, far too late to cover planting or harvest costs.
Radenko Ivković from Dobrić near Šabac echoed the same frustration, explaining that he still hasn’t received any subsidies and is struggling to pay for machinery rentals.
Digital registration through the e-Agrar platform was meant to simplify the process, but many farmers—especially older ones in rural areas—lack the necessary digital literacy or internet access. Ivan Tasić from the agricultural service in Svrljig said that 90% of local farmers need assistance with digital registration. Shorter deadlines this year also left many without enough time to apply.
Farmers are also waiting for delayed milk premiums. Goran Vasić, president of the Mačva District Milk Producers’ Association, said producers still haven’t been paid for the fourth quarter. He suspects the delay is due to lack of state funds, not technical issues.
As the agricultural season advances, farmers are left relying on their own resources—hoping that state support will come before it’s too late.
