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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Serbia to gain €1bn a year for agriculture through EU membership

Novi Sad, 15 May 2009

Deputy Prime Minister for EU integration and Minister of Science and Technological Development Bozidar Djelic stated in Novi Sad today that Serbian agriculture could receive €1 billion of assistance per year once Serbia enters the EU.

At the roundtable discussion, "Contribution of the Scientific Community to Serbia’s Development", held at the 76th International Agricultural Trade Show in Novi Sad, Djelic said that the European road for Serbian agriculture will allow a much greater presence of Serbian companies in the European market.

Agriculture is Serbia’s great opportunity. According to best estimates, when we become an EU member we will be able to receive at least €1 billion a year for agriculture, said the Deputy Prime Minister.

He recalled that 45% of the EU budget is set aside for agriculture, adding that for the period 2007–2013 Bulgaria received €5 billion, Hungary over €10 billion and Poland €28 billion.

He noted that overall agricultural trade stood at around $2 billion last year, while the surplus gained Serbia $500 million.

Djelic said that there is a great potential in Serbia which has not yet been realised, which is why a draft strategy on science and technological development will be made by the end of June.

I will suggest that during the 2011 census an agricultural census is also made, which has not been done in four decades, he said, noting that this information is necessary to qualify for European structural funds.

He noted that 117 agricultural science projects are underway and noted that nearly 1,300 scientists are engaged in those projects.

The budget set aside RSD 1.3 billion for science this year, which is a substantial increase when compared with RSD 250 million in 2002.

The Ministry’s budget will be reduced by RSD 1 billion after the budget revision, he said and announced that all pending payments will be made by May 20.