Serbia: 1,281 farmers produce organic products
The figures were released on Wednesday by the Serbian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management at the opening of the 10th Biofest International Festival of Organic Products in Subotica. Figures from the Ministry of Finance and the Customs Administration show that 7,100 tons of organic products worth EUR 10.7 million were exported last year – mostly to Germany, the Netherlands, United States, UK and Switzerland.
Organic farming land accounts for 0.23 percent of the total agricultural land used. Grain crops account for most of that land (2,276 hectares), and are followed by industrial crops (nearly 673 hectares), vegetables, fodder, fruits, as well as medicinal and aromatic plants. Sheep dominated organic livestock production with slightly over 4,000 animal units, followed by cattle (over 2,100 animal units), bees (over 1,900 colonies) and poultry (over 1,390 animal units).
With regards to incentives, among other things, organic farmers can count on subsidies that are 40 percent higher compared to conventional farming. Organic farming in Serbia was also addressed by the European Commission report on Serbia’s progress in European integrations, which took note of an increase in the quantity of land used for organic farming. The report also said that there is considerable potential for future development, but that there has still been no progress on the national plan.
Source: inserbia.info