The agricultural production of the European Union in 2023 amounted to 537.1 billion euros, which represents a decrease of 1.5% compared to the previous year, when 545.4 billion euros were recorded. The break in the upward trend, which has been going on since 2010, is connected to the fact that production is on a smaller scale. In ten EU countries, including Hungary and Slovakia, growth was recorded when it comes to production, while the biggest declines were registered in Greece, Estonia, Latvia and Spain.
Crops accounted for 51% of the total value of agricultural production in the EU, with 273.6 billion euros, which is a decrease of 6% compared to 2022. Animal products and animal husbandry contributed with 40%, ie 214.3 billion euros, recording a decrease of 2%. The remaining part refers to services and secondary activities.
Production is important, but let’s not forget raw materials and diesel
At the level of Serbia, the Republic Statistical Office recorded a 1.9% drop in the prices of reproductive material, labor and services in agriculture in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The biggest drops were recorded for seeds (-23.6 %), mineral fertilizers (-9.7%) and plant protection products (-16.8%). Compared to the second quarter of 2024, prices remained stable.
The Oil Industry of Serbia (NIS) has extended the campaign that allows registered agricultural farms to purchase euro diesel at a price of RSD 179 per liter until November 24, 2024. This advantage is the result of the cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture and favorable market conditions. To use this benefit, it is necessary to have a registered farm and download the “NIS Agro Card” via the mobile application. Download instructions are available on the websites of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Administration for Agrarian Payments.
In addition to this promotion, a favorable fuel price is also available for farms engaged in branches of agriculture other than arable farming. A lower price is also available regardless of the registration of the land in the register before April 1, 2024. Advisory services throughout Serbia provide additional information.
These data illustrate the complex challenges in agriculture, both at the European and national level, with measures aimed at facilitating business for producers in Serbia. Price stability, lower raw material costs and benefits such as cheaper fuel are key to maintaining competitiveness in the sector.
Source: boljazemlja.com
