Panic over the milk shortage has been shaking Serbia for days. When it is available in shopping centers, citizens buy entire cartons. In smaller stores, there is almost no milk on the shelves, reports hrt.hr
How is it possible that in today’s time a country that until recently exported milk is shaken by a shortage is a question everyone is asking. The government appeals to consumers not to create panic. Citizens blame milk producers and distributors for the shortage. Due to the lowest subsidies and premiums in the region, many farmers have given up milk production and calf breeding in just the first six months, with as many as 20 thousand animals slaughtered. The main cause of the milk shortage seems to be the conflict between the main monopolist in the milk market, the investment fund Salford, owner of the largest dairy industry Imlek, and the state – over the purchase price. From Imlek, they calmly state that the crisis will last. The Ministry of Agriculture does not offer a solution, only stating what everyone knows. Imports from, for example, Croatia are unprofitable due to high prices, thus closing this circle of monopolists, the state, and citizens. (www.hrt.hr)
