MANAGEMENT OF AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Agriculture and rural areas are of the exceptional socio-economic importance for the Republic of Serbia, therefore, their management, although a very complex task, is an imperative. Responsible governance is essential at all levels, starting with the most important and irreplaceable role of the state, i.e., relevant authorities and institutions at the macro level, to local self-governments, the private sector and farmers. At the global level, management of agriculture and rural economy significantly determines the national institutional structure, directions of development and models of rural development and agriculture. In the light of the EU integration of the Republic of Serbia, as well as the effects of many global interrelated factors that inevitably affect each and every country, the mentioned facts should be thoroughly considered. With this in mind, the aim of this paper is to identify the opportunities for improving the management of agriculture and rural development in the Republic of Serbia, in terms of better strategic management, i.e., creating and implementing adequate development policy tailored to the real needs of local farmers and non-agricultural economic entities in rural areas, as well as the modernization of the lower levels of management, including the smart use of external support. The research focuses on the following: key characteristics of agriculture and rural areas in the Republic of Serbia that are considered important in terms of management; management models currently applied; developing more efficient management practices in line with the contemporary internal and external challenges.