site.btaSerbian Farmers Block Highways, Demand Restrictions on Dairy Imports

By blocking dozens of regional and local roads, farmers in Serbia have begun to radicalize protests that have been ongoing for two weeks, local news media reported on Tuesday. Representatives of more than 30 agricultural associations are demanding restrictions on the import of dairy products, including powdered milk, as well as better prices for locally produced goods.

The roadblocks were expected to last several hours, while in some areas traffic will be halted for the entire day, regional television channel N1 reported.

Serbia’s Agriculture Minister Dragan Glamocic said that the agricultural associations he had invited to a meeting, had refused to meet with him, according to RTS.

At a news conference, Glamocic said that farmers insist that proposals to improve their situation be presented to them in written form.

He also stated that he would not make any decisions under pressure and that farmers who refuse to engage in dialogue with him are engaging in "politics".

"The situation in Serbian agriculture is not as bad as it is being presented to the public," the Minister said.

Since February 11, dissatisfied producers have been blocking the Ibar Highway in Serbia, which connects the capital Belgrade with Montenegro and Kosovo, as well as other road connections.

Earlier, the Ministry of Agriculture announced that Serbia had requested consultations with the European Commission regarding the possible introduction of fees on milk and dairy products. A meeting has been scheduled for February 25 in an online format.