Farmers in Serbia are complaining that the current wheat price, around 21 dinars per kilogram, is insufficient to cover production costs. Agro-economic analyst Žarko Galetin explains that although this year’s wheat yield is historically high—estimated at about 5.5 to 5.6 tons per hectare, the best ever—and the quality is good, the market price remains low due to global influences, especially from the Black Sea region where Russian and Ukrainian wheat exert downward pressure.
The state purchased wheat for commodity reserves at 23 dinars/kg, which is slightly better, but still barely enough. Farmers typically need wheat prices to be at least 23–24 dinars/kg to break even or profit.
Corn prices currently exceed wheat prices, an unusual situation that causes some wheat to be diverted for animal feed instead of human consumption. Serbia has about 600,000 hectares of wheat and 900,000 hectares of corn fields, together comprising nearly half of the country’s arable land.
Seasonal price increases are expected toward the end of the year, but global uncertainties—such as conflicts affecting supply routes—make long-term market forecasts difficult.
In summary, despite strong production, farmers face economic difficulties due to low wheat prices, and the current market situation threatens profitability.
