Results from last year’s agricultural census, published by Monstat, reveal a significant and concerning decline in the number of agricultural holdings and livestock compared to 2010.
The total number of agricultural holdings in Montenegro in 2024 was 26,711, utilizing 248,279 hectares of agricultural land. The livestock numbers recorded included 68,600 cattle, 167,344 sheep, 28,184 goats, 52,272 pigs, and 1,361,403 poultry. The total labor force working on agricultural holdings was 54,753.
Compared to 2010, the number of agricultural holdings decreased by 12,087, or 31.2%, while the total agricultural land used increased by 29.11 hectares, or 13.3%. Cattle numbers dropped by 11,534 (14.4%), sheep by 60,874 (26.7%), and goats by 6,179 (18%). Conversely, pig numbers increased by 21.7%, and poultry by 125.5%.
The average age of farm holders is 59 years. This demographic trend is particularly concerning, as many rural areas have an average farm holder age exceeding 60, while younger generations are leaving villages due to lack of infrastructure, services, and economic viability in agriculture.
The decline in livestock is linked to several factors, including unfavorable economic conditions for farmers, high production costs, low purchase prices, unregulated markets, and a lack of long-term development policies. This trend not only threatens the sustainability of food production but also increases dependence on imports and undermines the country’s food sovereignty.
Experts stress the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to revitalize livestock farming, including better market organization, incentives for young farmers, investments in rural infrastructure, and promotion of domestic products. Without swift action, the decline in livestock farming and agricultural activity will likely accelerate, threatening the vitality of rural communities.
Additionally, issues such as a powerful import lobby, price dumping, and unfair competition exacerbate the challenges faced by local producers. There is a call for the government to allocate more budgetary resources to agriculture, at least five percent, to regulate the market and protect domestic producers.
