Serbia’s agricultural sector is showing broad-based activity across policy, production, trade and innovation. From new draft land consolidation reforms and strong export performance in fruit production, to record-breaking success in wine competitions and fresh EU-backed funding opportunities, recent developments highlight both structural changes and growing competitiveness in key agri-food segments.
Beeld: Unsplash
Serbia prepares new land consolidation law to reduce farmland fragmentation
Serbia has started drafting a new Law on Land Consolidation aimed at improving land management, reducing fragmentation and strengthening rural development.
Serbia's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management has begun drafting a new Law on Land Consolidation aimed at creating a more comprehensive and efficient framework for managing agricultural land. The legislation will address shortcomings in the current system while improving land use efficiency, infrastructure, irrigation and drainage systems, and climate resilience.
Land consolidation is seen as a key tool for boosting agricultural productivity, supporting rural development and ensuring sustainable land management. The new law is also expected to increase transparency, improve implementation and strengthen the protection of participant rights.
Beeld: Unsplash
Serbian wines shine at Decanter with record 149 medals
Serbia's wine industry reached a new milestone at the Decanter World Wine Awards in London, securing a record 149 medals. It is the country's best performance since joining one of the world's most prestigious wine competitions.
The impressive haul includes three Platinum, seven Gold, 60 Silver and 79 Bronze medals, underscoring the growing quality and international reputation of Serbian wines.
The three Platinum-winning wines, each awarded 97 points, are Kremen Kamen 2021 from Matalj Winery, Kameničarka Prokupac 2022 from Aleksandrović Winery and La Rem Chardonnay 2023 from Deurić Winery.
A standout achievement was the Platinum medal awarded to Kameničarka Prokupac 2022, showcasing the excellence of Prokupac, Serbia's flagship indigenous red grape variety. Gold medals were also awarded to wines from Tarpoš, Zvonko Bogdan, Erdevik, Jovac, Veritas Ćuković and La Gora wineries, further reinforcing Serbia's growing presence on the global wine stage.
Beeld: Unsplash
Serbia approves 147 IPARD III projects but lengthy evaluation process draws criticism
Serbia's Ministry of Agriculture has published the final ranking list for the first public call under IPARD III Measure 3, approving 147 projects supporting investments in the processing and marketing of agricultural and fishery products. The measure finances the construction and modernisation of processing facilities, the purchase of new machinery and equipment, and investments in IT solutions across the dairy, meat, fish, fruit and vegetable, grape, cereal and industrial crop sectors.
Successful applicants are eligible for grants covering up to 50% of eligible investment costs, with an additional 10% available for projects incorporating wastewater management, circular economy practices or renewable energy technologies.
However, the announcement has also highlighted the slow pace of the approval process. While 147 projects secured funding, 137 applications remained below the funding threshold. The public call was launched in February 2025, with final results published more than a year later.
The IPARD III Programme (2021–2027) provides EUR 270 million in EU funding for Serbia. According to the report, around EUR 10 million has been disbursed so far, while approval decisions have been issued for projects worth an additional EUR 50 million.
EIT Food offers up to EUR 2.5 million for agri-food innovation
Start-ups, companies, researchers and entrepreneurs from Serbia can apply for several EIT Food funding programmes offering up to EUR 2.5 million to support innovation in the agri-food sector.
The Proof of Concept Co-Financing Instrument is open until 31 July and provides up to EUR 60,000 per project to test innovative solutions with business partners. The Test Farms programme, launching this autumn, will provide EUR 4,000 for testing agri-tech solutions on farms across Europe.
According to NALED, agri-tech accounts for only 4% of all innovations, highlighting significant growth potential. NALED, as EIT Food’s contact point for Serbia, provides support in programme selection, application preparation and connecting applicants with partners across Europe.
Future calls include EIT Jumpstarter (March 2027) and the EIT Food Accelerator Network (February 2027).
Beeld: Illustration by D.R.
Serbia’s fruit exports climb as sector strengthens despite lower volumes
Serbia’s fruit sector recorded solid export growth, with rising revenues and strong production outlooks for the coming year.
Fruit exports reached EUR 268 million in the first four months of the year, up 13% year-on-year. In May, exports increased sharply to EUR 61.8 million, up 35.5% compared with May 2025. Overall, Serbia exported 287,056 metric tons of fruit worth EUR 807.9 million in 2025, an 8.6% increase in value despite lower volumes. The sector also generated a positive trade balance of EUR 335.7 million.
The Ministry estimates that, under stable conditions, total fruit production in 2026 could reach 1.5 to 1.6 million metric tons, around 46.5% higher than last year, and potentially among the strongest results in two decades.
According to the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia data show raspberry production may rise by 14.6%, while sour cherry production could increase by 96.3% compared with last year.
More Information
If you would like to know more about Serbia’s agri-food sector and opportunities in areas such as post-harvest handling, cold-chain development, and sustainable production, you can go to the country page of Serbia at this website. You can also send an e-mail to the LAN team at the Dutch Embassy in Belgrade: bel-lvvn@minbuza.nl