UN: Joint programme “From Seed to Sustainability: Food Systems 4 All” completed

Belgrade, 1 September 2025 – Yesterday marked the official completion of the joint United Nations programme in Serbia “From Seed to Sustainability: Food Systems 4 All”, which was implemented from 12 July 2024 to 31 August 2025. The project aimed to strengthen multisectoral cooperation, enhance institutional capacities, and develop sustainable models of food production and consumption through the localization of the biodistrict model in Serbia, with a special focus on empowering women in rural areas.

During the project, 189 farmers – including as many as 168 women – participated in six specialized trainings, which also included a study visit to Italy. National and regional dialogues on food system transformation were organized in Novi Sad, Niš, and Belgrade, bringing together over 130 participants from various sectors, thus creating a space for the exchange of experiences and alignment of priorities at both national and local levels.

One of the key results of the project was the development of the Roadmap for Food System Transformation in Serbia, which serves as a strategic framework for future initiatives and priorities in this field. Its significance was further confirmed by the participation of Serbia’s delegation at the 2nd UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in June this year.  On that occasion, Serbia reaffirmed its commitment to food systems transformation and gained an opportunity to exchange experiences with countries from around the world.

In addition to strengthening institutional capacities, the project also brought important results in changing the way food is produced, consumed, and traded. A particular focus was placed on the localization of the biodistrict model in Serbia. Recommendations were developed for integrating this concept into the public policies of the Republic of Serbia, based on legal analyses and examples of good practice from the European Union. For the Kolubara Biodistrict, a long-term strategy, business plan, and marketing strategy were developed, laying the foundation for the sustainable functioning and recognition of this innovative model.

“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.

“From Seed to Sustainability: Food Systems 4 All”, was a one-year initiative funded by the Joint SDG Fund, with support 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. This initiative in Serbia was led by the UN Resident Coordinator Office and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), together with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), with support from the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Serbia and other local partners.