Serbian farmers block roads to protest cheap imports

The demonstrations began two weeks ago in the southwest of the country and have since spread across Serbia. As of Tuesday, roads were blocked in 42 locations. The farmers said they would maintain the blockade until their demands were met. According to the protesters, milk and dairy products from abroad are being sold at such low prices that domestic producers cannot compete. The low prices have led some farmers to destroy their products. Livestock farmers also complain that the purchase price of live pigs is persistently below sustainable levels, while costs are rising.

Agriculture Minister Dragan Glamocic said on Tuesday that farmers had not shown up for talks aimed at improving the situation on the milk market. He said several retail chains had agreed to increase their purchases of domestic dairy products. The minister said the protests had become politicized and the government was unwilling to make decisions under pressure.

MTI