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Small ruminant value chain analysis for Serbia

Copyright licence

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Budapest, Hungary ;

Pages 12 p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet

Category Brochure

Synopsis (short abstract) This report examines the role of sheep and goat farming in Serbia’s rural economy and cultural heritage. Despite modest declines in livestock numbers since 2015, Serbia has demonstrated resilience with steady or increasing meat production. Challenges include labour shortages, low profitability at the farm level, limited financial resources for modernization, and restricted access to pastures. The report highlights opportunities to enhance productivity through improved genetics, better farm management practices, formalized contracts with processors, and value-added products like premium lamb cuts or cheeses. Aligning with EU standards is identified as critical for expanding into international markets. Recommendations focus on infrastructure development, capacity building through advisory services, cooperative models among farmers, and sustainability measures aligned with EU Green Deal goals. These steps can help Serbia build a competitive small ruminant sector that supports rural development while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Cite this content as:

FAO. 2025. Small ruminant value chain analysis for Serbia. Budapest.

Language English

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