“Citizens should not fear shortages”

Serbian Agriculture Minister Sasa Dragin stated that the Serbian citizens need not fear new shortages. "Citizens should not be afraid of new market shortages and food crises. We are doing everything in our power so that there is enough food and that no one blackmails farmers. In that fight, we are willing to declare war to cartels trying to dictate the prices and create artificial shortages," Dragin told daily Vecernje Novosti. “Citizens should not fear shortages” The minister said that agriculture is the first branch of Serbia's economy that it has overcome the crisis, adding that during 2009, it was the only branch to record a two percent increase. Minister Dragin stressed that this year, Serbia's agriculture will achieve greatest success in the fields of export and production growth. Compared to last year, the export and production increased by 25 percent in the first six months of 2010, amounting to a record EUR 2bn obtained from the export and USD 650mn of surplus. "We are the only country in the region that has recorded a surplus in the exchange of agricultural products around the world," he added.

“Citizens should not fear shortages”

The minister said that agriculture is the first branch of Serbia's economy that it has overcome the crisis, adding that during 2009, it was the only branch to record a two percent increase.

Minister Dragin stressed that this year, Serbia's agriculture will achieve greatest success in the fields of export and production growth.

Compared to last year, the export and production increased by 25 percent in the first six months of 2010, amounting to a record EUR 2bn obtained from the export and USD 650mn of surplus.

"We are the only country in the region that has recorded a surplus in the exchange of agricultural products around the world," he added.