Farmers in Serbia are threatening protests and blockades unless the government immediately cancels “illegal and unlawful decisions” regarding the passive status of their farms. In a meeting held in Badovinci, they demanded the resignation of Agriculture Minister Aleksandar Martinović, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture Marijana Rističević and Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, citing unresolved issues and unfulfilled agreements with the government.
The passive status of farms means they are unable to receive state subsidies, sell goods or function properly. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, 235 farms were placed in a passive status, with accusations of political persecution and corruption involving land leasing arrangements. Farmers argue that many were punished for minor infractions, like not cleaning between crops or not managing manure properly, which they claim is a result of political targeting.
Farmers also face issues with unpaid subsidies, delayed agreements, and a lack of a functioning agricultural market, leading to significant losses. They are also struggling with unfair competition due to a lack of proper pricing regulations, with imported goods severely undermining local produce.
The Ministry of Agriculture responded, stating that the decision to place farms in passive status was not political but based on violations of regulations identified during inspections. They emphasized that corrective actions were necessary for those farms to remain operational.
The case of farmer Zlatko Kokanović, who was placed in passive status despite his efforts to comply with regulations, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Serbian farmers. Kokanović, known for his opposition to lithium mining projects in the region, claimed that the actions against him were politically motivated. Despite taking corrective steps, including removing manure from his farm, he has faced repeated inspections and measures that many other farms in Serbia also struggle to meet.
The protests and demands for change continue as farmers call for systemic reforms to address the ongoing issues with the agricultural sector.
