Ministry representative, State Secretary Igor Momcilovic said that the rebalance drafted in agreement with the IMF did not secure additional funds for agricultural subsidies. He stressed that the budget rebalance plans an additional 1.1 billion RSD for the Ministry which leaves no room for more significant changes.

State Secretary Momcilovic stressed that the Ministry would try to meet all of its assumed obligations as regards the subsidy amounts and beneficiaries.

Some Committee members opined that the funds allocated for agriculture are still insufficient considering this year’s poor weather conditions and pointed out that there should have been additional funds for agricultural subsidies.

The Committee members also wanted to know how much of the agricultural production subsidies have been paid so far, when the National Reference Laboratory for Food Safety, Animal Food Safety and Milk would commence operation and when more public warehouses can be secured.

Following the debate, the Committee did not accept the Bill amending and modifying the Republic of Serbia 2011 Budget Law, section relating to the Ministry of Agriculture, Trade, Forestry and Water Management.

The Committee also considered the Bill amending and modifying the Law on the Protection of Plant Breeders’ Rights in principle. The Bill was elaborated by the representative of the Plant Protection Directorate, after which the Committee unanimously adopted the Bill in principle.

The sitting was chaired by Prof. Dr Zoran Masic, Committee Chairman.