Farmers in Kosovo protested against "imports from Serbia"

Because of the very difficult situation in Kosovo agriculture, the federation of farmer unions of Kosovo has sent a list of demands to the Kosovo Albanian government, including a ban on "imported products from Serbia".

Union Director Tahir Tahiri said that products coming from Serbia have an effect of creating non-loyal competition with products in Kosovo and that are "very bad for health".

The protest, which some farmers attended in tractors, was also supported by the leader of the Self-Determination Movement Albin Kurti.

Activists of the movement began a campaign earlier for boycotting and prohibiting imports from Serbia. Kurti said at the protest that the products being imported to Kosovo are not being regulated.

"After the declaration of Kosovo independence, products have become easier to import from Serbia," Kurti said.

The farmers are also called for 10 percent of the state budget to be set aside for agriculture, and for subsidies of EUR 200 per hectare to be secured, in order to ensure that farmers can receive credit with interest rates of three to four percent, also calling for subsidies for the production of milk.

Farmers announced more protests if the Kosovo Albanian government does not fulfill their demands.