The United Nations joint programme “From Seed to Sustainability: Food Systems 4 All” concluded in August 2025, marking a significant step forward in Serbia’s efforts to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems. Running from July 2024 to August 2025, the initiative fostered cooperation across institutions and communities, introduced innovative food production models, and placed rural women at the center of transformation efforts. By empowering farmers and strengthening local leadership, the programme aimed to create long-term systemic improvements in Serbia’s agricultural landscape.
During the programme, 189 farmers, including 168 women, participated in specialized training sessions designed to enhance practical skills and confidence. A study visit to Italy provided participants with firsthand exposure to successful sustainable agriculture practices and community-led models, inspiring the adoption of similar approaches in Serbia.
National and regional dialogues held in Novi Sad, Niš, and Belgrade brought together over 130 representatives from government, academia, civil society, and the private sector. These discussions facilitated knowledge exchange, identified shared priorities, and helped shape a unified vision for the future of Serbia’s food systems, promoting collaboration and strategic alignment among diverse stakeholders.
A key achievement of the programme was the development of the Roadmap for Food System Transformation, a strategic document outlining Serbia’s next steps toward systemic change. The roadmap received international recognition when Serbia presented its progress at the UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in June 2025, demonstrating the country’s commitment to long-term, sustainable development.
The programme also introduced and piloted Serbia’s first biodistrict in the Kolubara District, a milestone for both the country and the region. Through legal analysis, community engagement, and the study of EU best practices, the initiative produced concrete recommendations for integrating the biodistrict model into national policy. A long-term development strategy, business plan, and marketing strategy were created for the Kolubara Biodistrict, providing the local community with a practical foundation for eco-friendly agriculture, rural development, and a more connected local food system.
Matilde Mordt, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia, highlighted the programme’s impact, noting that by strengthening coordination, empowering rural women, and piloting Serbia’s first biodistrict, the foundations have been set for more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems.
The one-year initiative was funded by the Joint SDG Fund, with additional support from the European Union and governments including 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 (FAO) in partnership with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Women, with support from UNECE and close collaboration with Serbia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and other national and local partners.
