The sunflower harvest has started, and the attention of the public in the agricultural world is occupied by forecasts and speculations regarding the purchase price. Jovica Jakšić, president of NAPS, explained to us what the situation is with the current purchase price of sunflowers.
The price of sunflowers is far below expectations
This season, the sunflower harvest started earlier, which is not surprising considering the weather that marked the year. Negotiations regarding the price are ongoing, and there are many speculations as to which direction it will go. There is also dissatisfaction due to the fact that the purchase price of sunflowers is by far the lowest in Serbia when compared to the region.
Jovica Jakšić confirmed that there is currently a fight over the price, which is much lower than expected. The previous two years have never been more difficult for farmers, and the prices on our market were much lower compared to neighboring countries.
As Jovica states, it is known that the price of sunflower in Bulgaria is around 58 dinars per kg plus VAT, while in other countries the price is in the range of 47 to 50 dinars plus VAT. As he confirmed, the oil mills in Serbia came out with their purchase offer on account at a price of 37 dinars plus VAT per kilogram, which is much less than the figure of 47 dinars that was speculated about.
Who is negotiating and on whose behalf?
Jovica claims that farmers are extremely dissatisfied, and states that certain associations are currently negotiating with oil producers. As he explained to us, 60 dinars per kilogram plus VAT is the only acceptable price and asked the associations to negotiate lower figures on their behalf, not on behalf of all farmers.
Our interlocutor also highlights problems that are the essential and main cause of all other problems. It is about the disunity of farmers, about the situation where associations appear that negotiate on behalf of all without the permission and order of the farmers.
As a final result, we have disunited farmers, prices that are far below the real ones, and then significant losses and penury among agricultural producers and middlemen, in the year that followed the two most difficult.
Jovica claims that agriculture is on the brink of collapse, which is why the protests were planned. However, after learning that the price is 47 dinars plus VAT and will continue to rise, the protests were postponed.
In addition to the problem with purchase prices, Jovica points out that additional problems are created by the fact that agricultural loans, which are the only chance for many to enter production, are stopped.
Source: www.agromedia.rs
