Montenegro has lost significant agricultural land over recent decades. To address this, the new Spatial Plan until 2040 introduces strict measures to limit the conversion of agricultural land into construction land. Such conversion will only be allowed for public interest projects, mainly infrastructure development. Private agricultural buildings, processing facilities, rural tourism, and housing for farm families can only be built on poor-quality land and require prior approval from the Ministry of Agriculture.
All municipal spatial and urban plans must follow these guidelines, clearly defining land use in their areas.
The plan emphasizes long-term sustainable management of agricultural resources, environmental protection, and alignment with the EU’s Green Deal agenda.
Production growth targets:
- Increase utilized agricultural land by at least 35% within 15 years
- Double the area of arable land, gardens, and permanent plantations
- Increase irrigated areas by at least 50%
- Raise agricultural production volume and value by at least 40%
This development scenario relies on new knowledge, technological innovation, product diversification, and strong government investment and institutional support, including access to international grants. The aim is to increase production while preserving rural areas, improving living conditions, and supporting balanced regional development.
Main goals include:
- Strengthening agricultural competitiveness
- Ensuring stable supply of safe, quality, and affordable food
- Improving rural living standards while preserving traditional values
- Applying new technologies to boost food security and diversify rural economic activities
The ultimate goal is to increase Montenegro’s food self-sufficiency and reduce import dependency, especially in fruit, vegetables, milk, and meat production. Last year, Montenegro imported food worth €772 million, including €395 million on fruit, vegetables, dairy, and meat products.
Urgent measures for land protection:
Until 2030, priority tasks include preserving and valorizing agricultural land. Conversion to construction land will only be allowed for primary agricultural production facilities, processing plants, family housing, and rural/agro/health tourism, and only on low-quality agricultural land or with Ministry approval.
Focus on organic and sustainable production:
Key objectives include modernizing production technology, expanding organic farming and protected-origin products, diversifying rural activities, strengthening institutional support, and implementing sustainable farming practices that reduce chemical use and protect soil and water resources. Waste management in agriculture will also be improved to reduce pollution.
Plans include intensifying production in flatland areas, consolidating land parcels, increasing livestock production (especially cattle, pigs, and poultry), and expanding irrigation systems for orchards, vineyards, and arable land.
Regional agricultural land protection:
- Coastal region: Special protection for remaining agricultural areas with high potential for citrus, olives, vegetables, organic herbs, and small livestock farms focusing on goats and sheep to help with fire prevention.
- Central region: Agricultural land under threat from dispersed private and industrial construction, requiring limits on urban sprawl, especially in Zeta Plain and Bjelopavlići Valley. Focus on vegetable production in protected areas, high-yield fodder crops, and livestock farming.
- Northern region: Quality agricultural land mostly in the Lim valley is threatened by construction in Bijelo Polje and surrounding municipalities. Special incentives for livestock farming from the Ministry and local governments are planned.
This strategic approach aims to safeguard Montenegro’s agricultural land, increase production sustainably, and support rural development across all regions.
