SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY: ORGANIC BEEKEEPING IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the European Union represents a fundamental framework for the development of sustainable and organic agriculture, including beekeeping. This paper analyzes the historical background and evolution of the CAP, with a particular focus on the legal foundations and implementation of regulations related to organic production. Special attention is given to organic beekeeping as a distinct and important segment of organic agriculture. The legal frameworks and institutional support mechanisms in both the EU and Republic of Serbia are compared. The paper highlights the importance of state incentives, control mechanisms, and certification systems, as well as the challenges faced by organic beekeepers in both regulatory environments. It concludes that the future development of organic beekeeping depends on a stable legal foundation, producer education, and stronger institutional support.