Transforming Food Systems: Serbia’s Response to Current Challenges

Niš, 16 June 2025 – Serbia has the opportunity to build a food system that not only feeds, but also protects – people, nature, and future generations. That transformation must begin with comprehensive policies and a clear strategy, providing equal opportunities for all. This was the key conclusion of the “Subnational Dialogue on Food Systems Transformation in Serbia,” held in Niš.

“Food System Serbia 2030 is not a distant vision, but a reality we are already shaping today: women lead the changes, children eat local and healthy food, and nature is preserved — not just in declarations, but through concrete decisions and local actions. This transformation must be a joint effort — and it has already begun,” said Lorenca Jahia, Senior Economist in the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia.

The dialogue brought together numerous local officials, agricultural producers, representatives of academia, civil society organizations, as well as the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator and UN agencies. Discussions focused on the urgency of change and on solutions that would enable local communities to become drivers of food systems transformation, one of the most important sectors in Serbia’s economy.

“The UN’s ‘One Health’ approach reminds us that the health of people, animals, and the environment are deeply interconnected — and food systems lie at the intersection of these relationships. Building food systems that are climate-resilient, nature-friendly, and that promote health is essential to tackling today’s challenges. Whether through agroecology, reducing pollution, or preserving biodiversity, local actions play a key role in creating more resilient communities,” emphasized Pablo Sagredo Martín, Public Health Specialist at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

The triple planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution — along with massive food supply chain losses and limited access to healthy diets — were at the heart of expert presentations and discussions. The consequences of these challenges are already strongly felt in Serbia, with data showing that since 2000, extreme weather events have caused more than €6.8 billion in damages, 70% of which is linked to droughts and high temperatures.

“Preserving the health of people and nature is essential for the survival of civilization, and change begins with us — through clear and decisive public policies that place health and solidarity ahead of profit and consumption,” stated Professor Denis Kučević of the Faculty of Agriculture in Novi Sad. Dr. Mirjam Vujadinović Mandić of the Faculty of Agriculture in Belgrade added: “Ensuring sufficient quantities of quality food requires systematic adaptation to climate change at all levels, while protecting and wisely managing key resources such as water and soil.”

Participants also discussed the potential of forming biodistricts and expanding organic agriculture in Serbia, particularly since less than 1% of arable land is currently under organic production.

Biodistricts are geographic areas based on the principles of organic farming, where farmers, citizens, tourism and hospitality providers, educational and research institutions, public authorities, and associations collaborate to develop sustainable local food systems, improve local resource management, and foster economic and socio-cultural development.

The dialogue further highlighted the crucial role of innovation in strengthening the entire food value chain, enabling faster and more efficient development, while reducing agricultural waste. Participants shared examples of good practices from Serbia and the EU and explored solutions adaptable to the local context.

“Innovation is key to reducing food loss, but its successful application requires strong institutional support and fair resource distribution for all, especially the most vulnerable,” said Dr. Kata Trifković from the Irish company Inlecom Commercial Pathways. Marko Marić, Director of Eko Agrar in Čajetina, added: “Global measures and collective awareness are important, but even more crucial is for local actors to take responsibility and actively create solutions that can inspire others.”

The Subnational Dialogue on Food Systems Transformation is one in a series of events preparing Serbia to participate in the upcoming UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS+4) in July 2025 in Ethiopia, and to ensure the inclusion of national and local actors in planning and implementing a just transformation of food systems in Serbia.

The dialogue was part of the project “From Grain to Sustainability – Food Systems for All”, a one-year initiative financed 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. In Serbia, the initiative is led by the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), together with UNEP and UN Women, supported by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia and other national partners.

The event was organized by the Center for Environmental Improvement as UNEP’s implementing partner, in collaboration with the local association ENECA.