Development Opportunities of Agribusiness in the AP Vojvodina

Abstract

Summary As agricultural production is one of the strategic branches of economy in the AP Vojvodina, it is of paramount importance to examine the development opportunities of Vojvodinian agriculture. The primary focus of this research is on the agricultural resources in the AP Vojvodina and both distinctive and economic characteristics of Vojvodinian agricultural production. The purpose of this research is to analyze, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the strategic position of the agricultural complex in the AP Vojvodina, define its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and limitations, and establish a developmental strategy on the basis of the current situation. The results obtained indicate that there is a shortage of and quality deterioration in the agricultural production resources in the AP Vojvodina. A significant decline was also recorded in the workforce, water resource utilization, livestock units per hectare, and production intensity of all agricultural products considered in the research. Accordingly, the authors conclude that the quantity and quality of agricultural resources in the AP Vojvodina should be preserved by increasing the following: the knowledge and skills of agricultural producers, number of livestock units per hectare, areas devoted to perennial crops (especially in micro-regions), competitiveness of agricultural sectors, degree of production finalization, and rural area development.