Serbia is committed to creating thousand of hectares of new forests

Serbia plans to plant trees on 7 thousand hectares and restore 51 thousand hectares of forests

Over the past four decades, climate change has had considerable effects on Serbia and forest ecosystems in the country are vulnerable to droughts, increased temperatures, extreme weather events, fires, pest outbreaks and diseases. Forest cover is degrading due to unsustainable wood harvesting, a heavy reliance on forests for energy, rural depopulation and lack of financial and knowledge capital of landowners. On February 20, an agreement for the project “Enhancing the resilience of Serbian forests to ensure energy security of the most vulnerable while contributing to their livelihoods and carbon sequestration (FOREST Invest)’’ was signed between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in its capacity as an Accredited Entity of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Government of the Republic of Serbia, represented by the Ministry of Agriculture as well as two public enterprises “Srbijasume” and “Vojvodinasume”.

Over the course of seven years, FOREST Invest will enhance the resilience of forest ecosystems, improve energy security for vulnerable communities, and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Nearly three million residents of Serbia will indirectly benefit from improved forest resilience and sustainable management. Additionally, the project envisions afforestation of 7,000 hectares with climate-resilient tree species, the conversion of 51,000 hectares of degraded low forests into high forests, and the rehabilitation of at least 500 hectares of abandoned private agricultural land through agroforestry plantations. By implementing these and other measures, greenhouse gas emissions are expected to be reduced by 8.4 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). The project, valued 84 million USD, is funded by the Green Climate Fund, while co-financing is provided by the Government of the Republic of Serbia and FAO.

This initiative is the result of years of collaboration between FAO, the Forest Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture and other key national-level partners. "Serbia is committed to a future where forests are protected, energy is secure, and economic growth is sustainable. This project represents a key step towards realizing that vision, but also an expression of the political will for Serbia to become a leader in climate-smart forest management. Thanks to this initiative, we will protect our forests and strengthen Serbia's energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and open new opportunities for green investments. It is proof of our determination to align national development with global climate goals, while ensuring that the benefits reach communities and economies across the country," said Minister of Agriculture, Mr Martinovic. "The partnership between FAO and the Government of Serbia is built on a shared commitment to sustainable development, food security, and climate resilience. By combining our technical expertise with national priorities, we can drive meaningful and lasting change," added Nabil Gangi, FAO Deputy Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia. "This innovative project in Serbia increases investment in sustainable forestry initiatives that include both mitigation and adaptation measures. Progress in Serbia will guide future efforts in other countries,” said Henry Gonzalez, the Chief Investment Officer of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The signing of this agreement marks the beginning of a significant transformation in Serbia’s forestry and energy sectors, aimed at greater resilience, energy security, and sustainable development.

Flower production and consumption in Serbia has great potential

Serbia has significant potential in the production of flowers and ornamental plants, with a steady increase in cultivated areas and a rising trend in foreign trade within this agricultural sector. However, the country continues to experience a trade deficit in this industry, the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia (PKS) announced. According to the Association for Plant Production and the Food Industry within PKS, global flower consumption is growing, and Serbia is no exception. "Domestic consumption continues to grow at an annual rate of approximately 20%, with the Serbian flower market valued at around €43 million.

This upward trend highlights the potential for further development of the sector," said Danica Mićanovic, a Scientific Advisor at the Association. She added that increasing demand for flowers and ornamental plants, both domestically and internationally, presents opportunities for higher exports. "In 2024, Serbia's flower exports were valued at €6.1 million, while imports reached €36.9 million, indicating the need for greater domestic production," Micanovic stated. Although positive production trends are evident, key challenges remain, including modernization of processes, acquisition of new machinery and equipment, and implementation of advanced technological solutions. Official data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia (RZS) indicates that 550 hectares are under flower and ornamental plant cultivation. However, unofficial estimates suggest a significantly larger area. PKS estimates that around 700 hectares are dedicated to plantation in flower production, pointing to substantial operations in the informal economy.

"Serbia has favorable climatic conditions for flower and ornamental plant cultivation, with roses being one of the best examples. Given its climate, which is similar to southern France, Serbia has the potential to produce sufficient quantities of roses for the domestic market, reducing the need for imports," Micanovic emphasized. The most significant flower-growing regions in Serbia include Vojvodina (near the Hungarian border), the areas surrounding Sabac (west of Belgrade), and central Serbia: Ljig, Trstenik, and Krusevac, and Velika Drenova, according to PKS.

Farmers warn of delayed subsidies, possible new protests

Serbian farmers are voicing their frustration over delayed subsidy payments just as the spring planting season approaches, warning that the government should not be surprised if they join student protests or once again take their tractors to the streets.

Goran Filipovic, President of the Initiative for the Survival of Serbian Farmers, told the Beta news agency that the public call for direct subsidies of €154 per hectare was only announced in the last week of February. "I highly doubt that this money will reach all farmers by the end of March as previously promised. Without it, we can't properly prepare for planting sugar beets, corn, sunflowers, and other crops. Additionally, there is still no official regulation specifying how much seed we can purchase per hectare under the second part of the subsidy for raw materials, which is supposed to be up to €145 per hectare," Filipović explained. Miroslav Matkovic, President of the Farmers' Association of Subotica, highlighted another major issue—despite Government promises of loans with 1-2% interest rates, banks have no knowledge of such credit programs.

"Because of this, we are forced to take loans from raw material suppliers and pay 1% interest per month," Matkovic said, adding that if the situation doesn't improve, farmers taking their frustration to the streets again should come as no surprise to the Government. Dragan Kleut, President of the Banat Farmers' Association, described the situation as catastrophic, noting that many farmers are now questioning whether it's worth continuing to struggle with planting—or whether they should simply give up and join student protests.

Poultry professionals discussing sector challenges with Minister of Agriculture

Minister of Agriculture, Aleksandar Martinovic hosted the meeting with representatives of the Poultry Association of Serbia and Animal Feed Producers Association - "Poultry Community of RS" in the last week of February. The main topic of discussion was the current state of the poultry sector in Serbia. Together with the stakeholders present at the meeting, the Minister reviewed specific steps and activities that the Ministry of Agriculture should undertake to increase poultry production and improve the sector’s prospects. It was also agreed at the meeting that the working group dealing with poultry-related issues, which includes representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and the mentioned association, will continue its work and activities to more effectively overcome the challenges faced by poultry farmers, reports portal Agronews.