Serbia’s wheat farmers are facing a bitter paradox: record yields but rock-bottom prices.
Agro-economic analyst Žarko Galetin told N1 that despite a historic 5.5–5.6 tonnes per hectare harvest and strong quality, the current market price of 21 dinars (£0.15) per kilo barely scratches production costs.
With domestic needs at 1.5 million tonnes, this year’s 3.5 million tonne crop leaves 2.5 million tonnes for export—yet global market pressures, especially cheap Russian and Ukrainian grain, have kept prices low.
Galetin warns farmers need at least 23–24 dinars to break even.
Adding to the anomaly, maize now sells for up to 20% more than wheat, pushing some wheat into livestock feed.
The state bought at 23 dinars in July, but without a turnaround, many growers might have earned more leasing their land than tilling it.
Analysts expect a seasonal price uptick by winter, but global instability could tip the scales either way.
