Serbia’s agriculture and agri-food sector is entering a period of change, with pressure to improve competitiveness, modernise production and strengthen resilience. This edition looks at the key developments shaping the sector, from proposed agricultural reforms and new EU innovation priorities to regional logistics challenges and opportunities for stronger business cooperation.
Beeld: Unsplash
Serbia’s agriculture in stagnation, Fiscal Council calls for reform
Serbia allocated around €1.4 billion to support its agricultural sector in 2026. A new study by the Fiscal Council calls for a more effective use of this support and proposes a ten-year reform programme focused on investment, modernisation, environmental practices, productivity and quality, with full alignment with the EU Common Agricultural Policy envisaged in the final phase.
The study of this influential body finds that Serbian agriculture has entered a prolonged period of stagnation. While the wider economy grew by almost 40% over the past decade, agriculture’s gross value added declined by 0.4%. This contrasts with an around 11% increase in agricultural production across the CEE-11 during the same period.
Around 80% of current agricultural support is allocated through direct payments linked to production. The Fiscal Council proposes gradually increasing the share of funding directed towards investment and modernisation, with the aim of strengthening the sector’s productivity and competitiveness.
The study also highlights the further development of LPIS and IACS systems, land consolidation and irrigation as important areas for reform. Public irrigation systems currently cover around 6% of potentially irrigable agricultural areas, pointing to significant scope for investment in agricultural infrastructure.
The Fiscal Council concludes that Serbia would benefit from a predictable, long-term agricultural policy that provides a stronger basis for modernisation, productivity and investment. Together with the recently published National Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy 2026-2034 these two documents can be important building bricks for the future of Serbian agriculture.
Beeld: Unsplash
Western Balkan truckers to renew EU border blockades
Professional truck drivers from Serbia and other Western Balkan countries will renew blockades of EU freight border crossings from 14 September, following months of protests over Schengen stay restrictions.
The dispute began with coordinated blockades in January 2026, after stricter enforcement of the 90-days-in-180 rule for non-EU drivers. Carriers argue that the limit is incompatible with international road transport and have called for a specific arrangement for professional drivers. Discussions with EU institutions have so far failed to produce a solution.
The new action is expected to affect 21 freight border crossings involving Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Measures include blockades at major freight terminals and controlled passage at the Port of Novi Sad.
The disruption could affect regional freight flows and supply chains, particularly if the blockades are prolonged. Truckers from Türkiye are also expected to stage a solidarity protest at the Kapıkule–Kapitan Andreevo border crossing with Bulgaria.
Beeld: Zeleni HIt
What the EU’s new innovation strategy means for Serbia
The EU is shifting agricultural research and innovation towards practical implementation, market uptake and closer cooperation with farmers. For Serbia, this could create new opportunities for companies, research organisations and technology providers involved in agricultural modernisation.
The new AgRI 2040 approach focuses on areas including soil and water management, climate resilience, the bioeconomy, stronger agri-food value chains, digitalisation, AI and robotics. Future EU-supported projects are expected to increasingly demonstrate how innovations work in real farming conditions and deliver measurable results.
This is particularly relevant for Serbia, where priorities such as water efficiency, drought resilience, soil health, precision farming and digital technologies align closely with current agricultural challenges.
The strategy also foresees stronger regional cooperation with the Western Balkans through BIOEAST, opening further opportunities for Serbian farms, researchers and businesses to connect with European partners.
For companies looking at Serbia, the message is clear: technologies and solutions that can be tested locally, involve farmers and demonstrate a route to market are likely to gain importance.
Beeld: NALED
LAN Belgrade at NALED’s September gathering
The LAN Belgrade team attended NALED’s September Gathering at the White Palace in Belgrade, celebrating 20 years of the National Alliance for Local Economic Development.
Founded in 2006, NALED is Serbia’s largest public-private association, bringing together businesses, local governments and civil society to improve the business environment, support economic reforms and strengthen Serbia’s integration with the EU.
The gathering, organised together with Merck, brought together more than 1,000 NALED members and partners. It offered LAN Belgrade an opportunity to connect with representatives from Serbia’s business and public sectors and strengthen its network for future cooperation.