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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Serbia should build sustainable and efficient agricultural sector

Belgrade, 21 September 2007

Serbian Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Slobodan Milosavljevic stated today that one of the goals of the agricultural policy and rural development of Serbia for 2008 is to build a sustainable and efficient agricultural sector.

Milosavljevic said at a conference themed “Agricultural and Rural Policy in Serbia” held at the Faculty of Agriculture in Zemun that this sector should be competitive in the region starting from next year and that it should give a significant contribution to the results of Serbian economy.

He stressed that agriculture is the only branch recording a significant surplus, noting that exports of agricultural products this year are to exceed $1.5 billion whereas agricultural imports should stand on $1 billion.

The surplus of nearly $500 million gives the right to all who are part of agricultural business to require and get government’s support through the budget but also through other projects as well as through adoption of appropriate laws and treatment in the media.

Milosavljevic said that apart from the sector of services, agriculture is the most realistic opportunity for Serbia, announcing the redefinition of agricultural advisory service.

He added that agricultural measures for 2008 stipulate that consumers’ needs are satisfied in terms of quality, safety and price as well as to secure support in promotion of living standards of agricultural and rural population.

The Minister also said that activities should be directed to prevention of migration of people from rural to urban areas.

He announced further measures for preparing the Serbian agriculture for its EU integration and the functioning according to regulations of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Today’s conference was organised by the Serbian Association of Agriculture Economists and the Institute for Agriculture Economy of the Agricultural Faculty in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management.