Round table held “Agricultural Census 2024 – Results and opportunities”
Statistical Office of Montenegro (MONSTAT) organized a round table entitled “Agricultural Census 2024 – Results and Opportunities” on 24 February 2026, in partnership with the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Montenegro, with the support of the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development, UNDP and GEF. The event was held at the Biotechnical Faculty in Podgorica.
The round table brought together representatives of state institutions, academic community, agricultural producers and international experts, with the aim of examining development opportunities in the sector based on the results of the 2024 Agricultural Census.
The event was opened by the Director of the Statistical Office of Montenegro, Miroslav Pejovic, who emphasized that the Census represents the most significant statistical source of data in the field of agriculture and a key foundation for the creation of public policies and support measures. He highlighted that the survey was conducted in line with national and European standards, ensuring the reliability and international comparability of the data, and stressed the importance of their practical application in addressing sectoral challenges.
Introductory remarks were delivered by Prof. Dr Igor Pajovic, Dean of the Biotechnical Faculty, Miroslav Cimbaljevic, MSc, Director General of the Directorate for Agriculture at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, and Jovana Drobnjak, MSc CBIT Project Manager at the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development, who emphasized the importance of institutional cooperation and engagement of the professional community. Pajovic underlined that inter-institutional cooperation is crucial for the advancement of agriculture and that the Biotechnical Faculty is committed to educating and training professional staff to meet the needs of modern agricultural production and the implementation of agricultural policy. Cimbaljevic stated that quality and accurate data are not an end in themselves, but a foundation for designing concrete and sustainable support measures, strengthening the sector’s competitiveness and enhancing Montenegro’s position in the European integration process. Drobnjak stressed that the Census provides a key basis for shaping development and climate policies in Montenegro, highlighting the importance of reliable data and strengthening transparency in advancing sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.
Panel discussions featured Prof. Dr Bozidarka Markovic (Biotechnical Faculty), Ranko Bogavac, Head of the Directorate for Livestock at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Milko Zivkovic, agricultural producer and representative of the Union of Livestock Producers of Northern Montenegro, Zeljko Milic, agricultural producer, and Irena Oresnik, international expert in agriculture. Through five thematic sessions, participants discussed challenges in livestock production, agricultural land use, on-farm processing and organic production, farm characteristics and conditions, as well as the impact of climate change.
The key results of the Agricultural Census were presented by Natasa Vojinovic, Acting Assistant Director of the Sector for Agriculture, Fisheries, Environment and Forestry Statistics.
During the discussion, it was emphasized that Census data should serve as a basis for concrete and sustainable solutions. The round table was assessed as an important platform for expert interpretation of the results and their application in formulating recommendations for the further development of the sector.
In conclusion, the need for stronger support to young people to remain in rural areas, particularly in northern Montenegro, was highlighted, along with the importance of systematic action aimed at preserving tradition, strengthening the competitiveness of domestic agriculture and promoting sustainable sector development.
A special emphasis was placed on the continuous support for young farmers, the protection and promotion of traditional products, as well as additional support for farms operating in mountainous areas and other areas with natural constraints for agricultural production. It was also stressed that sustainable development requires improved rural infrastructure, adequate living and working conditions in rural areas, and stronger encouragement of farmers’ associations to facilitate access to markets, investments, and modern technologies.
It was concluded that the 2024 Agricultural Census represents a key foundation for improving agricultural policy and ensuring the sustainable development of rural areas in Montenegro.
Statistical Office of Montenegro will continue to make the results of the Census available to the public and decision-makers, in line with the principles of transparency and European standards of official statistics.
