Nineteen Serbian farmers have received financial approvals for new tractors and advanced farming machinery, through the EU IPARD III program, marking another milestone in the modernization of Serbia’s agricultural sector.

The official handover took place at the Government of Serbia on October 22, as part of Measure 1 – Investments in Physical Assets of Agricultural Holdings. The event was attended by Plamena Halačeva, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, and Dragan Glamočić, Serbia’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management.

The call focused on investments in physical assets, including eligible costs for the purchase of new tractors equipped with standard components and agricultural attachments, including cabins.

The support covers a wide range of sectors: dairy, meat, fruits, vegetables, cereals, industrial crops, viticulture, egg production, and fisheries. Beneficiaries come from various areas of the country—from Sombor and Šid to Arilje, Irig, and Bogatić.

Plamena Halačeva, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia / Photo: Tanjug

Plamena Halačeva congratulated the grant recipients and highlighted IPARD as the EU’s most significant support tool for agriculture and food processing in Serbia.

“IPARD III brings significantly increased funding compared to previous cycles. This reflects the EU’s strong commitment to the development and modernization of Serbia’s agricultural sector, as we see Serbia as a future member of the Union. We aim to ensure this funding efficiently reaches farmers, processors, and agribusinesses across Serbia”, stated Halačeva.

Minister Glamočić emphasized the strategic importance of the program for Serbian agriculture:

“This is more than a bureaucratic step—it is tangible proof that EU funds and national support are joining forces to provide Serbian farmers with modern working conditions equal to those of their EU counterparts”, he said.

He added that the introduction of modern tractors will boost productivity, reduce operating costs, and lessen environmental impact.

More Support, More Certainty

This call for proposals will support a total of 369 agricultural producers, with a total investment value of 2.7 billion dinars, 75% of which is financed by the European Union.

Recipients have expressed optimism about the impact of the support. Lidija Jeremić from Otaňe near Požega, who received over five million dinars, said the program shows that both Serbian government and EU recognize the hard work of farmers and encourage continued investment in their holdings.

Photo: Tanjug

Lazar Todorović from Arilje, who received more than 4.4 million dinars, said the new tractor will significantly aid land cultivation and preparation for the next season.

“Modern equipment is essential for quality production. This program allows us to work faster, more efficiently, and with greater reliability”, he said.

Officials and farmers alike noted that this new wave of investment through the IPARD III program is expected to strengthen rural development, increase employment, and improve the sustainability of agricultural production in Serbia.

IPARD III program (2021–2027) is part of the EU’s pre-accession assistance focused on rural development. It aims to help Serbia meet EU agricultural standards and boost competitiveness in the sector as the country advances toward EU membership.

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