The Rulebook determining areas with difficult working conditions in agriculture was passed in April 2016 and has been found lacking which is why a new one should be passed in order to correct the current situation. The representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection said they were aware of the Rulebook’s flaws such as it failing to cover Serbian villages below 500 masl which otherwise meet all the criteria of marginal areas i.e. are within national park borders as stipulated by the Law on National Parks, and have less than 100 employed persons per 1000 residents. The Ministry representatives said they hoped by the end of the year a study would be completed defining territories and criteria for harsh working conditions in agriculture due to low soil quality, steep incline of the terrain and precipitation.

Following a debate the Subcommittee adopted a conclusion that the Rulebook should include fourth group undeveloped and devastated areas in Serbia falling within the category of marginal – most undeveloped areas.

The Subcommittee went on to discuss the return of rough grazings and pastures to villages for use. The Subcommittee members and Ministry representatives concluded that there are considerable flaws in the Law regulating the return of rough grazings and pastures to villages for use, as well as abuses. Pastures are used for purposes they are not intended for, therefore certain self-governments should be sanctioned for their unconscionable actions. After a discussion on the matter the Subcommittee concluded that the Law regulating the return of rough grazings and pastures to villages for use, unchanged since 1992, should be amended by deleting or putting out of force Article 9.

After consultation with GIZ representative Nenad Gvozdenovic, the Subcommittee members agreed that the topic for the next sitting be land comassation.

The sitting was chaired by Subcommittee Chairman Milija Miletic.