THE IMPORTANCE OF DOMESTIC SEED PRODUCTION FOR FOOD SECURITY AND NATIONAL FOOD SOVEREIGNTY

The authors consider the current issue of strategic development of agriculture and agro-industry in the Republic of Serbia. The authors emphasize seed production as a branch of agro-industry that has comparative advantages and development prospects in the Republic of Serbia. Using the method of analysis and synthesis, the authors point out the multiple roles and importance of domestic seed production. They particularly emphasize the importance of seed production for food security and national food sovereignty. The effects of investing in the seed industry are manifold. The authors believe that investing in the seed industry is not only an economic issue but is primarily of strategic importance. Improving domestic seed production can be achieved through several key strategies: technical and technological development, innovation, research and development, support for producers, and biodiversity conservation. This implies investments in this important and promising branch of agro- industry. In this regard, it is important to have a balanced and combined approach to the market and market mechanisms, as well as the state and its agricultural policies. The example of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops from Novi Sad demonstrates the contribution to the development of seed production in the Republic of Serbia.