Climate change is undeniably threatening ecosystems around the world and organic production is increasingly being seen as a sustainable solution. However, in Serbia, this sector is advancing at a disappointingly slow pace, despite growing interest in healthy food.
The figures reflect the current situation—only 29,000 hectares, or 0.6% of Serbia’s agricultural land, are cultivated according to organic principles. Snježana Mitrović, an active member of Terra, one of the oldest associations for raw food producers in Serbia, expresses her frustration with the lack of progress.
“Everything is moving at a snail’s pace,” she says. “Since 2010, when the first Law on Organic Production was adopted, we have seen some growth, but currently, only 0.6% of agricultural land in Serbia is under organic production. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Agriculture, in 2023, organic farming covered about 29,000 hectares, which is an increase of around 4,000 hectares compared to the previous year. Of that, 17,564 hectares are arable land, while 11,437 hectares are meadows and pastures. Close to 11,000 hectares are in the transition phase, and around 18,000 hectares are fully organic.”
Although there was a 4,000-hectare increase in organic land in 2023 compared to 2022, this growth remains far below what is necessary to meet the demand for organic products. Vojvodina, once a leader in organic agriculture, has shown signs of recovery after a period of decline, with an increase of 505 hectares last year.
However, manufacturers are particularly frustrated with delays in government incentives. Despite an increase in the maximum amount of incentives in the previous year—for example, up to 2.52 million dinars for plant production and 55 million for livestock production—many producers are still waiting for the promised funds.
“Almost February has passed, and most producers haven’t received a single dinar,” Mitrović adds.
Plans for Vojvodina aim to increase the area under organic production to 10,500 hectares by 2030. However, achieving this goal will require systemic support, from financial aid to educational initiatives. Organic farming must become a cornerstone of Serbia’s agricultural strategy, as it is essential for preserving the health of future generations.
