On 9 June the Agriculture Committee discussed reports on preparations for the sowing of wheat and other grains and on preparations for the purchase of wheat stocks. Representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and the Supply Reserves Directorate took part in the Committee’s session.

Deputies were informed that 787,680 hectares had been sown with various grains, of which 622,780 with wheat, 112,100 with barley, and 49,800 with oats. A total of 25,418 combine harvesters are available for the harvest, of which 2,996 are owned by companies and co-operatives, while 22,422 are owned by private farmers. The majority of these machines are over fifteen years old, which calls for timely provision of spare parts.

The Committee was informed of the quantities of mercantile wheat available at the Supply Reserves Directorate, the planned purchases and the possibilities of exporting wheat.

The session resolved that the Committee’s conclusions should be forwarded to the relevant ministry, the Ministry of Trade and Tourism and the Government of the Republic of Serbia. The conclusions suggest that wheat purchasing price should be 9 dinars for first class quality, with a one-dinar premium, and that fuel subsidies should also cover Eurodiesel, the fuel used by newer farm machinery.

The Committee is to request the Ministry of Mining and Energy to subsidise the purchase of gas for nitrogen fertiliser plants.

The Committee also agreed to hold a session to which it would invite representatives of the Ministry and interested associations of fruit growers and purchasers, in order to begin the creation of a long-term fruit-growing strategy.