In the village of Resnik near Babušnica, the Ćirić family is dedicated to growing and processing organic fruits and vegetables. They emphasize that while production requires significant investment, obtaining the necessary certifications is also costly. “In our five greenhouses, we cultivate vegetables, including peppers and tomatoes, using traditional methods aligned with organic production principles. Our region has immense potential for producing healthy organic food,” explains Milica Ćirić.
After years on the road as a truck driver across Europe, Zoran Ivanković returned to his hometown of Kambelevac to focus on cattle breeding. He manages a herd of 130 sheep and 40 goats, all certified for organic production. “We lack a slaughterhouse that can accept certified lambs for meat. The challenge lies in a required upfront payment to the municipality, after which we wait to see if we qualify for the competition,” Zoran shares. Ivana Mršić from “Zdravologia” in Novi Sad adds, “Our products are priced slightly higher because producers invest significantly in manual labor and are more engaged in the fields. We source goods from local producers in Vojvodina.”
The largest areas dedicated to organic production are found in Western Serbia and Šumadija, followed by southern Serbia and then Vojvodina. Despite organic farming being a gateway to global markets for Serbian farmers, its potential remains underutilized, with many plots abandoned and fertile lands increasingly converted for industrial use.
According to Snežana Oljača from the Faculty of Agriculture in Belgrade, “In terms of hectares, we see significant representation of fruit cultivation, field crops, especially cereals, fodder plants, and industrial crops. Meadows and pastures are the most prevalent.” She notes that financial incentives from the state and the EU are available, aiding investments in agricultural machinery and processing equipment.
Currently, the biggest challenge for organic producers in Serbia is the lack of announced subsidies. Authorities have yet to issue a public call for these subsidies but plan to do so by the end of September. Jelena Milić from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management highlights, “The majority of land in Serbia is relatively free from heavy metals and organic pollutants, making it one of the countries where organic production can thrive.”
To further encourage producers to engage in organic farming, Milić emphasizes the importance of education. Most organic products produced in Serbia are aimed at export markets; last year, exports reached over 50 million euros to Europe, America, and Canada. However, for those in the sector, earnings are not quick or guaranteed, with a strong focus on food quality and environmental sustainability.
