Serbian government meets with farmers over sunflower and milk prices

Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut, along with the ministers of agriculture and trade, met with representatives from several farmers' associations to address rising production costs and low purchase prices for agricultural products.

Farmers expressed significant concerns regarding the price of sunflower seeds, noting that the current price of 44 dinars per kilogram (including VAT) is a sharp decline from 62 dinars last year. Producers argued that these rates do not cover production costs, especially as global prices for sunflower and palm oil have risen. Additionally, dairy producers are seeking government intervention to increase milk purchase prices, citing drought and rising feed costs.

The government described the meeting as productive, with discussions focusing on the relationship between raw material costs and final product prices. Officials indicated that dialogue will continue in the coming days to determine final sunflower purchase prices, and the Prime Minister suggested establishing a permanent platform for cooperation between producers, buyers, and processors through the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.