Seeds, livestock, and vineyards: current developments in Serbian farming

Serbia tightens seed market rules with new law aligned to EU standards

The Serbian National Assembly has passed a new Law on Seeds and Planting Material of Agricultural and Ornamental Plants, introducing stricter controls, mandatory certification, and comprehensive oversight of the entire seed production and trade chain, in line with EU regulations.

For the first time, the law systematically regulates every stage of the process — from production and processing to packaging, labeling, quality control, marketing, and import of seeds for cereals, vegetables, fruits, vines, hops, potatoes, and ornamental plants. The main goal is to ensure greater market transparency and curb the spread of illegal and uncertified seed, a growing problem for Serbian farmers in recent years. A major innovation is the creation of a unified national seed registry, which will consolidate data on all producers, varieties, and market quantities, making seed origin and movement fully traceable throughout the production chain.

The law also gives the Minister of Agriculture authority to set limits for testing samples and introduce special regimes for traditional and indigenous varieties, balancing EU harmonization with biodiversity protection. From now on, only certified seed meeting defined quality standards can be sold. Harsher penalties await farmers and traders dealing in uncertified seed, while inspections will intensify to tackle the grey market.

By extending regulation to small producers and previously unlisted varieties, Serbia aims to establish fairer and more transparent market conditions, bringing its legal framework closer to the EU acquis and supporting both exports and imports, reports Tanjug news agency. In the opinion of the LAN office, the new law on seeds and planting material represents a significant step for Dutch growers and breeders seeking to enter the Serbian and regional markets. Effective enforcement of the law will require additional capacity building, as both intensified inspections and the judicial system will play a crucial role.

Serbia targets global markets with new label and premium livestock

Serbia is stepping up its livestock industry with the introduction of a new quality label, “Born and Fed in Serbia,” aimed at certifying domestic origin and product quality. Announced by Agriculture Minister Dragan Glamočić, the label is designed to strengthen consumer trust and enhance Serbia’s presence in international markets.

Large-scale investments are modernizing big farms and expanding beef exports. Analysts say Serbia could compete internationally at €3.2–3.5 per kilogram of live beef, with strong potential in Italy, Greece, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. China has been highlighted as a promising premium market, where Australian “nature-raised” beef fetches up to $112 per kilogram. Serbia’s Simmental cattle rank among Europe’s best, with 27,000 head currently being fattened. However, total annual beef production remains at 86,000 tons, far below the earlier target of 500,000 tons for China. Agricultural analyst Čedomir Keco notes that premium “nature-raised” beef and milk from family farms could become Serbia’s key export advantage. Success will require partnerships between the state, producers, and processors rather than rivalry. The rollout of the “Born and Fed in Serbia” label signals a clear push to modernize the livestock sector, elevate product standards, and position Serbia as a strong player in global agricultural markets.

While large farms dominate Serbia’s beef production, small family farms remain the backbone of the country’s dairy sector. These holdings—numbering between 12,000 and 18,000—collectively produce 500–600 million liters of milk per year, accounting for roughly 80% of total national output. In contrast, large farms manage only about 15,000 dairy cows, with an annual production of around 120 million liters. In Serbia, small-scale farms usually maintain up to 10 head of cattle, while large farms are defined as those with more than 50 animals.Despite the highest-ever allocation to agriculture in the 2025 government budget, support remains uneven: small farms often receive limited assistance, while some large farms are reported to exploit subsidy programs. This imbalance raises concerns about both fairness and the long-term sustainability of the dairy sector and to our opinion the efficiency of this policy measure.

Serbia’s indigenous Buša cow: from hardy breed to health-focused opportunity

Milk from Serbia’s indigenous Buša cow is drawing growing scientific and commercial interest for its exceptional nutritional and functional properties. Once valued mainly for its resilience and adaptability, the breed’s economic potential is now being redefined by research showing its milk is rich in healthy fatty acids such as CLA and DHA, known for their anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects.

These findings open the door to developing niche, high-value dairy products tailored to the functional food and health nutrition markets, where demand for natural, bioactive, and indigenous ingredients is rapidly rising.

Experts say investing in Buša-based dairy production could both boost rural incomes and preserve Serbia’s native genetics, positioning the country as a competitive player in Europe’s growing health food sector. The LAN office considers that Busa cow, being indigenous breed, is not suitable for dairy production but for preservation of genetic resources due to low milk production per animal.

Serbia’s 2025 grape harvest among the best in a decade

Serbia’s 2025 grape harvest is being hailed as one of the top three in the past ten years, thanks to even rainfall distribution and moderate temperatures that created ideal conditions for high-quality grapes and stable yields, reports Tanjug.

“This year, ripening was slower and more balanced — always a sign of superior quality,” said wine educator Aleksandar Marinković, noting that only a few vineyards were affected by hail in early May. Moderate temperatures and short, occasional rains allowed grapes to develop optimal aromas, sugars, and acidity, all crucial for premium wines. He emphasized that while vineyards are increasingly impacted by climate change, new technologies — from soil analysis to automated harvesting — are helping producers adapt. Harvests in Serbia now begin earlier than ever, sometimes as soon as mid-August, reflecting a global warming trend. The practice of night harvesting is also growing, preserving freshness in warmer regions. However, the industry faces challenges, notably a shortage of skilled labor as the average age of vineyard owners exceeds 50 years. “That’s a serious issue for the sector’s future,” Marinković warned.

Despite rising costs, demand for Serbian wines remains strong, supported by growing appreciation for native grape varieties such as Prokupac, Grašac, Tamjanika, Morava, Probus, and Kadarka. “Prokupac proves that Serbia can build a distinctive wine brand based on its terroir, tradition, and expertise,” Marinković said. “This year’s harvest confirms that our winemakers are on the right path.”

More information

For more information on how Serbia is advancing its agricultural sector, you can contact the Netherlands Agricultural Network team at the Dutch Embassy in Serbia: bel-lvvn@minbuza.nl