In recent decades, Montenegro has seen a considerable decrease in agricultural land, prompting the new Spatial Plan to introduce measures aimed at reducing the conversion of agricultural land to construction land by 2040. Such changes will only be permissible for public interests related to infrastructure development. Private projects, such as those for agricultural production, product processing, rural tourism, and housing for family members, will be limited to lower-quality land and will require prior approval from the Ministry of Agriculture.

These guidelines will inform the creators of all municipal spatial and urban plans, which will clearly outline land use in their jurisdictions.

The Spatial Plan, recently endorsed by the Government and submitted to Parliament for review, asserts that the primary objective of state policy in this sector is to sustainably manage natural agricultural resources, ensuring maximum environmental protection and aligning with the “Green Deal” goals set by the European Union.

Targeting a 40% Increase in Production

Key indicators for evaluating the success of this strategy aim for a minimum 35% expansion of utilized agricultural land over the next 15 years, doubling the share of arable agricultural land (including arable fields, gardens, and perennial crops), boosting irrigated areas by at least 50%, and increasing both the volume and economic value of agricultural production by a minimum of 40%.

“This developmental trajectory relies on harnessing new knowledge and technological advancements, alongside creating new products and diversifying services. The successful implementation of this strategy in the agricultural sector necessitates robust state investment and institutional backing, offering suitable incentives and resources to meet conditions while tapping into international grants. The execution of this development plan is expected to elevate agricultural production volumes and, crucially, foster rural development that retains population through the provision of favorable economic and living conditions, thereby achieving balanced state-wide growth,” the Spatial Plan indicates.

The overarching goals within this field include enhancing agricultural competitiveness while ensuring a dependable supply of safe food that is both high in quality and reasonably priced, elevating living standards for rural residents, advancing overall rural development while maintaining traditional values, and integrating new technologies to bolster food security as well as competitiveness. Additionally, diverse economic initiatives in rural regions will be pursued through tailored rural development policy measures.

A key aim is to boost Montenegro’s self-sufficiency in food production, reducing reliance on imports—particularly in the sectors of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat. Last year, food imports amounted to 772 million euros, or 3.4 euros per capita daily, with 395 million euros spent specifically on importing fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat products.

Immediate Construction Protections Required

The plan delineates essential initiatives that must be prioritized by 2030, with the foremost being the protection and enhancement of agricultural land.

“Agricultural land can only be transformed into construction sites for structures dedicated to primary agricultural production and associated processing facilities, including those for residing household members and providing rural, agro, and health tourism services. This is strictly permitted only on uncultivable agricultural land classified between V and VIII, or on arable land if no lower-quality agricultural land is available nearby, in line with local planning documents or with clearance from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management,” the Plan states.

Emphasis on Organic Production

Priority actions include modernizing agricultural techniques; expanding organic production and products with designated or protected origins; diversifying initiatives in rural areas; developing institutions and enhancing investment support; fostering sustainable agricultural practices that minimize chemicals and pesticides, promoting organic farming as a guardian of soil and water resources, and optimizing waste management within the agricultural sector to mitigate pollution of soil, water, and air.

A series of measures are proposed to meet the target of increasing both the quantity and value of agricultural production by at least 40%. This will involve adopting new technologies, modernizing nearly all areas of agricultural production, intensifying activities in lowland regions—particularly on arable land and in protected areas—and expanding land plots.

“It is also expected to see an increase in per capita cattle production, alongside growth in the scale and output of pig and poultry farming. Meanwhile, the decline in sheep production is predicted to continue. In light of the growing challenges posed by climate change, modern agricultural practices will necessitate irrigation. Hence, it is anticipated that within the next six years, all orchards, vineyards, and a considerable portion of arable land will be equipped with irrigation systems. Additionally, greater support for agricultural innovations and the digitalization of farming will be prioritized,” asserts the Plan.

Regional Agricultural Zone Protections

After analyzing the available agricultural land, the Plan outlines strategies for conserving these areas by region.

In the Primorje region, special protections for remaining arable land are proposed for zones including Ulcinjsko polje, Zoganjsko polje, the Štoje area, the stretch along Ada through the Bojana Valley to Šas and Šasko polje, along with parts of Barsko and Mrčevo polje, and Grbaljsko and Sutorinsko polje.

“These areas present significant opportunities for enhancing citrus and olive production, as well as vegetable farming in protected locations. There is also considerable potential for developing organic production, particularly in the collection of wild medicinal herbs. In marginal lands and sloping areas, livestock farming should also be initiated, focusing on mini-farms for cattle and other domestic animals. Priority should be granted to small ruminants, especially goats and sheep, due to their effectiveness in managing underbrush, which helps mitigate fire hazards,” states the Plan for the Coastal Region.

The central region hosts valuable agricultural land that is experiencing significant encroachment from construction activities.

“The unregulated expansion of private housing developments in the Zeta Plain, from Karabuško Polje to Skadar Lake and in Lješkopolje, must be curtailed. Much of the highest-quality agricultural land in the Bjelopavlić Plain is currently under threat from industrial construction and scattered private developments. Hence, it is essential to safeguard existing agricultural zones,” the document emphasizes.

The focus in this area should also include bolstering vegetable production in protected environments, high-yield fodder cultivation for livestock feed, and supporting various forms of livestock farming.

In the northern region, quality agricultural lands are identified in the Lim Valley, which are increasingly impacted by construction within the Bijelo Polje municipality, from Pod and Zaton in the Berane municipality extending to Rasovo, Njegnjevo, and approaching the border. It is imperative to preserve these areas in the near future.

“Livestock farming across all municipalities in this region should receive increased attention, with additional incentives from both the relevant ministries and local governments,” the plan concludes.

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