Serbia is experiencing a significant decline in its dairy cow population, putting the future of domestic milk production at serious risk. According to data from the Republic Statistical Office (RZS), the number of dairy cows dropped from 500,000 in 2013 to 330,000 by the end of 2023. However, Rajko Jeličić, a member of the Agriculture Committee of the Serbia Center Party (SRCE), warns that the actual figures are even more concerning, estimating the current number at around 150,000, with the trend continuing downward.
Jeličić highlights the severity of the situation with examples from the Šumadija region. At the start of the 21st century, villages such as Jovanovac had approximately 800 cows, but today only 14 remain. Gornje Komarice has fallen to just two cows, and Donje Komarice to 17. Across Šumadija, the total number of dairy cows is around 5,000, which is far below the region’s production potential. While some smaller farms in places like Botunje, Knić, Kraljevo, and Čačak maintain herds of 30 to 100 cows, these farms rely heavily on state support to remain viable.
The primary factors driving this decline include low milk purchase prices, uncontrolled imports, high feed costs, and a shortage of labor, all of which contribute to the unprofitability of dairy farming. The current purchase price of milk, including a premium of 19 dinars per liter, stands at 70 dinars. Jeličić attributes this low price to market disruptions caused by unchecked imports of powdered milk. Furthermore, this year’s drought threatens fodder availability for the winter months, potentially worsening the situation for many farmers.
To reverse this downward trend and restore the dairy sector, Jeličić calls for stable business conditions, fulfillment of subsidy and incentive commitments, and an urgent halt to uncontrolled milk imports. Without decisive government intervention, Serbia risks losing much of its remaining dairy cow population, which would have severe consequences for the country’s agriculture and milk supply.
