The driving force behind the development of Montenegro’s agriculture must primarily be the domestic market, followed by tourism and exports, as concluded during the roundtable discussion on “The Future of Agriculture and Food Production.” It was emphasized at the event that without proper preservation and sustainable use, there is a risk of declining food production and ecosystem degradation.
Organized by the Biotechnical Faculty, the roundtable gathered over 50 representatives from academia, scientific communities, government institutions, businesses and students. Alongside professors from the Biotechnical Faculty like Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mirko Knežević, Prof. Dr. Zoran Jovović, and Prof. Dr. Milan Marković, eminent experts including Prof. Dr. Renata Bažok from the Faculty of Agriculture in Zagreb and Prof. Dr. Vladimir Crnojević from the Biosense Institute in Novi Sad participated.
Prof. Dr. Božidarka Marković, Dean of the Biotechnical Faculty, highlighted that this roundtable is part of the year-long celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the University of Montenegro, the country’s largest academic institution, pivotal in higher education, science, culture, and arts.
“I am pleased to note that the Biotechnical Faculty, established 50 years ago as an Agricultural Institute, was one of the university’s founding members. Since 1974, we have grown and evolved alongside the university, fully immersed in its life. Therefore, we have graciously accepted the University of Montenegro’s invitation for our faculty to host one of the roundtables during this significant anniversary year,” said Dean Marković.
The roundtable aims to highlight key challenges facing agriculture and food production from the perspective of academia and science, addressing current and future challenges and exploring potential solutions.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mirko Knežević addressed the critical role of agricultural land, the fundamental resource for food production. He underscored that without proper preservation and sustainable management, there is a risk of reduced food production and ecosystem degradation. Ensuring soil conservation is crucial for food security and sustainable development, safeguarding stable yields and protecting natural resources for future generations. He emphasized the essential importance of implementing legislative regulations and controls on land use.
Prof. Dr. Zoran Jovović discussed the profound impact of climate change on agriculture, highlighting adverse trends and projections in global warming, particularly detrimental to the Western Balkans and Montenegro. He stressed the necessity of adaptation, citing water management and the adoption of appropriate agrotechnical measures as pivotal strategies for mitigating climate impacts.
Prof. Dr. Božidarka Marković focused on the implications of livestock farming on climate change and strategies to mitigate its adverse effects. She also addressed the modern challenges in plant protection, emphasizing the imperative to reduce chemical usage to protect human health and ensure environmental sustainability.
Prof. Dr. Vladimir Crnojević presented innovative applications of digital technologies in agriculture, including monitoring meteorological parameters, soil quality, crop conditions, and plant growth dynamics. He highlighted the role of electronic database management services in facilitating effective agricultural policy implementation amidst labor shortages and evolving climate conditions.
Prof. Dr. Milan Marković concluded by emphasizing the multifunctionality of Montenegro’s agriculture and its developmental potential. He emphasized the primary role of the domestic market in driving agricultural growth, followed by tourism and exports. He underscored the state’s pivotal role in establishing a supportive economic and legal framework aligned with the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy and implementing agricultural policies to bolster the sector.
“The EU mandates strict guidelines for utilizing common funds, but it does not dictate the pace or concept of agricultural development,” concluded Marković.
