Farmers Protest in Montenegro, Demand Increased Agricultural Budget

Farmers in Montenegro took to the streets on March 15, 2024, blocking Stanko Dragojevic Street with a convoy of tractors and smaller vehicles. Their protest was a clear call for increased funding in the agricultural budget, as they asserted that the current state of rural agriculture is unsustainable.

The president of the Agricultural Cluster of Montenegro, Bosko Milicic, highlighted the dire situation faced by farmers, stating that conditions have deteriorated significantly over the past few decades. He noted, “The number of livestock is continuously decreasing, small farms are disappearing, and the average age of farmers is approaching 60. Young people are leaving rural areas, and domestic food production declines each year while imports rise.”

Milicic emphasized that the challenges facing Montenegrin agriculture stem from poor agrarian policies and years of inaction by relevant institutions. He pointed out that the state budget for Montenegro in 2025 is projected to be around €4 billion, with only €77 million allocated for the agricultural budget. Notably, €11 million of that amount comes from European Union donations, meaning the government is contributing only €66 million from its own funds.

According to Milicic, even this limited funding does not fully reach producers. A significant portion of the agricultural budget is spent on pensions for the elderly, administrative costs within the Ministry, and various management expenses. After these expenditures, only about €30 million remains for direct support of food production across all sectors. This figure represents less than 0.8 percent of the total state budget, despite agriculture contributing approximately 5.5 percent to Montenegro’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Milicic stated, “This disparity clearly shows that the government does not treat agriculture as a strategic sector but rather as a burden.” The impact of this approach is evident in the alarming statistics regarding food imports. In 2024, Montenegro imported food and beverages worth €976 million, with over €772 million allocated solely for food. The trend has seen a steady increase in imports for three decades, with no year recording a decline compared to the previous one. Milicic argued that this indicates a weakening of domestic production, as imports increasingly dominate the market.

Furthermore, the conditions under which Montenegrin farmers operate are among the most challenging in the region. Fuel prices are among the highest, agricultural machinery costs are on average 30 percent above those in neighboring countries, and subsidies and premiums are substantially lower compared to nations that prioritize their agricultural sectors. Milicic noted that premiums for dairy cattle, heifers, and lambs in Montenegro are significantly less than those in Serbia, which puts local producers at a competitive disadvantage from the outset.

In light of these challenges, Milicic and the protesting farmers are demanding that the agricultural budget be increased to at least 5 percent of the total state budget. They argue that without a serious financial framework, discussing agricultural development is futile. “We are seeking protection for domestic production and equal market conditions, alongside effective control of imports,” he asserted.

Milicic called for professional and responsible action from institutions, urging against delays, improvisation, and the passing of responsibilities. He stressed the need for stronger support for rural areas, livestock farmers, and young agricultural entrepreneurs to prevent rural depopulation.

This situation has not developed overnight, Milicic noted, and he called for accountability from those who have managed the agricultural system over the years, including the Minister of Agriculture. “If there is no capacity or will to change the situation, then the responsible solution is to withdraw from their positions,” he stated.

He concluded by emphasizing that the fight for agriculture is not merely about one group of people; it is a struggle for domestic food production, sustainable rural communities, and the economic security of Montenegro. This protest serves as both a warning and a call for urgent dialogue. If the issues and demands continue to be ignored, farmers may resort to more intense forms of protest.

The demonstration received support from Andrija Delic, the State Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management. Delic joined the farmers at the protest, affirming his commitment to their cause. “I am also a farmer. The choice between my position and agriculture is very easy,” he stated, aligning himself with the sentiments of the protesting farmers.

Organized by the Agricultural Cluster, the Union of Livestock Farmers of Northern Montenegro, and the Livestock Association of Danilovgrad, the protest is scheduled to continue until 14:00 local time.