The United Nations joint programme “From Seed to Sustainability: Food Systems 4 All” has come to a close, marking an important step forward in Serbia’s journey toward resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems. Implemented from July 2024 to August 2025, the initiative helped strengthen cooperation across institutions and communities, introduced innovative models of food production, and placed rural women at the heart of transformation efforts.
Empowering farmers and strengthening local leadership
Throughout the programme, 189 farmers—168 of them women— took part in a series of specialized trainings designed to build practical skills and confidence. A study visit to Italy offered participants a first-hand look at successful examples of sustainable agriculture and community-led models.
At the same time, national and regional dialogues in Novi Sad, Niš and Belgrade brought together more than 130 representatives from government, academia, civil society, and the private sector. These conversations created a rare space for diverse actors to exchange experiences, identify shared priorities, and shape a common vision for the future of Serbia’s food systems.
A roadmap for the future
One of the programme’s most significant achievements is the Roadmap for Food System Transformation, a strategic document that sets out the direction for Serbia’s next steps. The roadmap gained international recognition when Serbia presented its progress at the UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in June 2025, underscoring the country’s commitment to long-term, systemic change.
Piloting Serbia’s first biodistrict
The programme also helped introduce and pilot Serbia’s first biodistrict, located in the Kolubara District — a milestone for the country and the wider region. Through detailed legal analysis, community engagement, and the study of EU good practices, the programme produced concrete recommendations for integrating the biodistrict model into national policy.
For the Kolubara Biodistrict, a long-term development strategy, business plan, and marketing strategy were created, giving the local community a practical foundation for future growth. These plans reflect a strong commitment to eco-friendly agriculture, rural development, and a more connected local food system.
“This project has demonstrated how much can be achieved when institutions, farmers, and communities work together. By strengthening coordination, empowering rural women, and piloting Serbia’s first biodistrict, we have set the foundations for more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems,” said Matilde Mordt, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia.
Partnerships that make a difference
The one-year initiative was funded by the Joint SDG Fund, with contributions from the European Union and the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
It was led by the UN Resident Coordinator Office and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Women, with support from UNECE and close cooperation with Serbia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and other national and local partners.
Original publication: https://serbia.un.org/en/300758-un-joint-programme-%E2%80%9C-seed-sustainability-food-systems-4-all%E2%80%9D-completed
