Farmers in Serbia presented their demands at a recent meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture, but they received a limited offer that does not meet all their needs. The representative of the association of agricultural producers from Subotica, Marinko Kujundžić, pointed out that there are currently not enough financial resources to fulfill all the requirements. Although the request for the payment of 17,000 dinars per hectare for certified seeds was approved, it is expected that the payment will last from six months to a year.
The Ministry also proposed a payment of 7,000 dinars per hectare without the need to justify the costs, which could be realized within 15 to 20 days. However, for other demands, including the abolition of excise duty for diesel fuel, the Ministry invited the farmers to a new meeting in 15 days, while they will discuss market regulation next week.
One of the important demands of farmers was a moratorium on bank loans. They were then told that the National Bank had proposed this back in March, and that farmers should consult with the banks to request a payment delay.
Can farmers make more money?
The Ministry of Agriculture has promised subsidies of 25,000 dinars per hectare for next year, which should be paid by March. Representatives of farmers and the Government of Serbia will continue talks in the next two weeks. The Ministry is expected to give a concrete answer to the request for the abolition of excise duties on diesel fuel, as stated by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of Agricultural Producers of Subotica, Marko Gabrić.
Goran Filipović from the Initiative for the Survival of Serbian Farmers addressed the media. He believes that it is necessary to request a meeting at a higher level. In his opinion, that meeting must include the Prime Minister and the President of the Assembly, due to dissatisfaction with the current cooperation with the minister. Filipović opposes the proposed subsidies, pointing out that the sum of 17,000 dinars was signed, while now only 7,000 dinars is offered. He also expresses doubts about the subsidies for turnips, stressing that they are not discussed.
In protest, many farmers organized peaceful protests in several cities, parking tractors along roads without blocking traffic. Their demands include the fulfillment of the promised obligations and help in repairing the losses caused by the drought during the summer.
Source: Agronews
Source: boljazemlja.com
