An agreement on concrete measures to stabilise the milk market has been reached at the Government of Serbia by representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, two associations of milk producers, dairies that are among the largest producers of kashkaval-type cheeses, and distributors, that is, representatives of companies primarily engaged in the import of cheeses.
The Government of Serbia announced that after the meeting, which lasted more than three hours, the Minister of Agriculture, Dragan Glamočić, said that the prices of milk and dairy products have started to rise in Europe, and that an increase in purchase prices can also be expected in Serbia, while the market is gradually recovering.
One of the key problems highlighted as having caused disruptions in the domestic market is the presence of cheap imported cheeses from Europe on the Serbian market, as well as on the markets of neighbouring countries, while significant quantities of dairy products operating in the grey economy also pose an issue.
The minister announced the formation of an operational team whose aim will be to curb illegal flows, led by representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, with the participation of representatives of the Customs Administration and other relevant bodies.
He sent a message to all those involved in the illegal import of cheese to cease such activities voluntarily before state intervention, as serious penalties are prescribed for smuggling.
Glamočić added that intensified controls on the implementation of regulations concerning the labelling of dairy products containing palm oil or other vegetable oils and fats had also been agreed.
According to him, special attention will be directed at hospitality establishments, bakeries and pizzerias, where there are indications that dairy products containing palm oil are being used without clear declarations.
The minister recalled that the state introduced the “100% from Serbia” label precisely to encourage domestic production and increase the recognisability of local products on the market, as well as to strengthen consumer trust, given the growing interest in domestic goods.
Glamočić noted that at the meeting, dairies demonstrated responsibility and understanding towards producers, who are in the most difficult position at present, by expressing readiness to improve their product range and the quality of kashkaval cheese. Distributors also showed responsibility by agreeing to prioritise the purchase of domestic products before turning to imports.
Regarding the introduction of levies on milk and dairy products, the minister informed those present that the position of the European Commission is expected during the week.
“The conclusion of the meeting is that we will meet again in a month’s time, when we will present concrete results of our inspections in the field, all in the interest of the state and with the aim of protecting the health of our citizens,” Glamočić concluded.
Miloš Trajković, a representative of the Central Serbia Cattle Breeders Association, pointed out that the associations initiated discussions with representatives of the Ministry primarily due to the decline in milk prices in recent months.
He said that many important issues had been raised today and concrete solutions offered, and that both dairies and companies involved in cheese imports had demonstrated a high level of social responsibility.
“It has been agreed that larger quantities of cheese will be withdrawn from the market, which in the coming period should lead to increased demand and the stabilisation of milk prices, which currently range in central Serbia from 25 to 50 dinars per litre,” Trajković specified.
Goran Vasić, a representative of the Milk Producers Association of the Mačva District, emphasised that suppressing the black market is one of the key conditions for stabilising the milk sector.
He stated that purchase prices in the Mačva District range from 35 to 55 dinars per litre, adding that producers would be satisfied with an increase of a further five dinars, bringing prices back to the level at the end of last year.
“The stabilisation of the market is a shared goal for all of us, and we are grateful to the Ministry of Agriculture for making significant efforts to overcome the challenges,” Vasić said.
As announced, the participants in the meeting will reconvene in a month with the aim of analysing the results of the implemented measures and intensified inspections, as well as defining further steps to protect domestic milk production.
(eKapija, 18.03.2026)