Sugar beet production in Serbia: Estimation of damages caused by climate factor

Sugar beet represents a basic raw material in sugar production at the European continent. In line with given natural conditions, the most parts of Serbia have favorable preconditions for organization of its production. Besides, production and processing of sugar beet is among the key production lines that influence sustainability of food security and development of agro-complex at national level. By a long time period, global agriculture has been facing the of certain climate changes. From this issue Serbia usually has a negative connotation, or more precisely, insufficient and irregular precipitation patterns followed by presence of high temperatures (drought) that threaten in great extent achieved results in crop production. Negative impact is mostly reflected through the economic losses of agricultural producers and food and processing industry that relays on sugar beet and its products, as well as possible shortage in part of national GDP generated by agriculture. Although the sugar beet is the specific crop production that requires significant amounts of water during its vegetation, unfortunately there are negligible irrigated surfaces in Serbia. The main paper goal is contained in the value estimation of damages caused by drought incurred in beet production at the national territory during the period 2008-2017. Estimation scenarios are based on secondary data of National Statistical Office and Annual Agro-Meteo Reports of Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia. Gained results could be considered as the best recommendation for the further strengthening of public support related to use of appropriate measures against the climate change in sugar beet production.