Joining the Dialogue on Better Farming and Food Policies in Serbia

Roundtable on Serbia’s New Draft Organic Law

In late June, Goran Kovačević and Đura Karagić took part in a public roundtable hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management on Serbia’s Draft Law on Organic Production.

We welcomed the draft’s clear alignment with EU organic regulations, a step that could open new market opportunities and improve quality standards.

But we also shared concerns and practical recommendations to make sure the law actually works for those it affects most: farmers, seed producers, and certifiers.

• A strong organic law must be backed by aligned policies (especially in land use, seed regulation, and support schemes).
• The national organic seed database must be updated and fully functional.
• And one critical question remains: If no certified organic seed producers exist in Serbia, how are organic farmers expected to meet seed requirements?

We believe laws must reflect the reality on the ground, and that reality can only be captured if those working in the field are invited to the table.

United Nations Food Systems Dialogue: Connecting Local Practice with Global Goals

Earlier this month, Matej Gostiša joined a panel at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia as part of the national dialogue leading up to the United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+4).

The event brought together government representatives, private sector leaders, academics, and practitioners to exchange ideas on building a more resilient and sustainable food system in Serbia. The discussions focused on global challenges with local implications—from climate change and soil health to digitalization, market access, and sustainable rural development.

Matej shared insights from our work at LoginEKO, demonstrating how a large-scale organic farming model, backed by precision agriculture, digital tools, and traceability, can serve as a real-world example of sustainable farming at scale.

He emphasized:

• The importance of systemic change, not isolated projects,

• the role of data and transparency in building consumer trust, and
• how digitalization can help bridge gaps between farmers, certifiers, and policymakers.

The dialogue reinforced a key message: Serbia has both the potential and the expertise to lead in agricultural transformation—but it will take collaboration across the entire value chain.

Dialogue is Only the Start

Both events reflected a positive shift toward more inclusive, participatory processes in shaping Serbia’s food future. As a team deeply invested in sustainable, organic agriculture, seed production, and sustainable farming technologies, we see it as our responsibility to contribute constructively to these dialogues.

We thank the organizers for creating space to share, listen, and exchange perspectives—and we encourage everyone working in the food and farming space to take part in these conversations.