MEASURES OF SUPPORT TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Abstract

Cooperatives are an organizational form of
association that has an extremely long tradition, and at the same
time it is widespread in all parts of the world and in a large
number of economic and non-economic activities. One of the
areas in which cooperatives are most represented is agriculture.
Association in the agricultural sector brings a number of
benefits to farmers, and is one of the factors that contributes to
the sustainable development of rural areas. The practice of most
developed countries is to support cooperatives, primarily
through agricultural policy measures. The aim of the research is
to analyze the current situation and limitations on the further
development of the cooperative sector. Also, by analyzing
current measures, primarily financial support to cooperatives,
the authors try to determine the extent to which the existing
support mechanisms are adapted to the needs of cooperatives
and in what ways could the positive impact of support measures
be increased. The existence of financial support to the existing
and newly formed cooperatives in the field of agriculture,
agritourism and crafts in rural areas, which is achieved in the
form of various development programs, is assessed as a positive
step compared to the previous practice in which the cooperative
sector was largely marginalized. Following the experiences of
countries with developed agricultural cooperatives, the authors
point out that only through consistent support measures and
coordinated work of all entities in the agricultural sector can we
expect the reaffirmation of the concept of cooperatives in
agricultural practice.