In late October, Serbia plans to launch a public call for increased subsidies for plant production, offering up to 35,000 dinars per hectare, with payments expected by the end of the year, according to Danilo Golubović, the prime minister’s agricultural advisor, in an RTS interview. Golubović also announced increased subsidies for livestock farmers, noting that these are higher than those in European Union countries. The government is finalizing legislation to extend subsidies to land with unresolved property issues and to provide incentives for meadows and pastures.
Golubović emphasized that the lack of a direct link between subsidies per hectare and livestock numbers does not hinder the development of animal husbandry. He highlighted that applicants for subsidies for breeding heifers in April will receive an additional 100,000 dinars for first heifers.
Starting in 2025, subsidies of 55,000 dinars will be available for heifers of fattening and dairy breeds. The government is also considering a request for a 150,000 dinar subsidy for purchasing a breeding heifer. Additionally, subsidies will be provided for registered natural meadows and pastures, with a minimum of one conditional head per hectare required.
Subsidies for fuel will be tailored to each agricultural sector, with additional support for farmers who rely solely on their production. The government is working on a solution for subsidies related to land with unresolved property issues, with a commission seeking a legal framework for including such land in the incentive system. Property owners are also being engaged to find agreements by the end of September.
Golubović noted that subsidies for farmers have significantly increased, with the Ministry of Agriculture having the second-largest budget in the government. He mentioned that while incentives are meant for development, part of the funds will also be used to address drought-related damage.
