Research Paper

The Economic Role of Small Farms in the Serbian Economy

VR

Vladimir Ristanović

AT

Aleksandra Tošović Stevanović

aleksandra.tosovic.stevanovic@gmail.com

Journal Information

Journal

The European Journal of Applied Economics

Volume / Issue

Vol. 23, No. 1 (2026)

Pages

171–185

Published

15 December 2025

DOI

10.5937/EJAE23-58562

Abstract

Countries at different stages of development view the economic importance of small farms differently. Small and medium farms should be the foundation of agricultural development, with large farms leading technological innovation and research. However, in most countries, discussing the economic role of small farms essentially implies examining a specific form of agricultural production that operates within an unfavorable market environment. For this reason, the primary goal of this work is to analyze and present the position and role of small farms in the Serbian economy, their market position operating environment, and explore their long-term prospects for survival and development. This paper draws on the data from the latest agricultural census, public policy documents and SWOT analysis derived from available results and observations, with the aim to objectively list all advantages and disadvantages in order to improve the economic position of small farms in the Serbian economy.

Keywords

agricultural economyeconomic developmentsmall farms

Citation

Vladimir Ristanović, Aleksandra Tošović Stevanović (2026). The Economic Role of Small Farms in the Serbian Economy The European Journal of Applied Economics. 23(1) 171–185. DOI: 10.5937/EJAE23-58562