The webinar is designed to help organic actors who want to emulate bio-districts and provide inspirations that can be implemented in their localities. Some of the topics that will be discussed are:

1. How are territorial food systems such as bio-districts initiated and how are they sustained?

2. How has the establishment of the bio-district changed the local economy and the social and political environment of the area?

3. What are the challenges in sustaining a bio-district or similar local initiatives?

4. In some areas in Spain, community building and education, especially of children, play a big part in the creation of bio-district. Why did INNER implement this approach and what are the impacts of this approach?

5. How can organic actors from non-EU countries initiate an organic district?

REGISTER HERE 

A total of 3 volumes have been released, covering 33 European countries, including Serbia (Volume 3, 2026). In Serbia, 15 initiatives, examples, and programs have been identified that contribute to the development of agroecology across different activities: practice, science, social movements, living labs, and education and training.

The report was published by AE4EU (Agroecology for Europe) and Agroecology Europe.

 Why is this important?
To scale up agroecology, it is essential to understand its current state and development. This report provides exactly that insight and serves as a basis for better policymaking and further support to its growth.

At a time when European agriculture is facing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, farmers’ income insecurity, and food security, agroecology is emerging as part of the solution.

🌿 Agroecology contributes to:

✔ Climate change mitigation
✔ Biodiversity restoration
✔ Strengthening farmers’ economic resilience
✔ Revitalization of rural areas
✔ Promotion of local supply chains

However, for its wider uptake, agroecology needs to become an integral part of policies, not just individual initiatives.

A collection of country reports

You can find here Volume 3, which includes the report on Serbia (pages 277 – 320)

The lecturers generously shared their extensive knowledge and experience in implementing sustainable tourism practices, opening entirely new perspectives for the members of the Bio-District and inspiring them with ideas and actions they can implement both within their own initiatives and in their wider communities. They were also encouraged to share this knowledge with others who did not have the opportunity to attend this unique educational program. All the topics were extremely significant and demonstrated the important role of sustainable tourism in connecting local sustainable production, gastronomy, nature, and cultural heritage—elements for which the Kolubara District stands out as the place where the first bio-district in this part of Europe was established.

For the Kolubara Bio-District, sustainable tourism has a special value because it enables the connection of organic and sustainable agriculture, local products, and natural resources into a unified story that attracts visitors and contributes to the development of this region.

Through motivating discussions with the lecturers and the exchange of practical examples, participants had the opportunity to reflect on the many potentials of their district, as well as the challenges that accompany the development of tourism initiatives.

It was particularly emphasized that such models of tourism make it possible to preserve natural resources and tradition while simultaneously creating new opportunities for the development of the local economy.

These gatherings also serve as a reminder of how important cooperation is between agricultural households and food producers, tourism hosts, and small local entrepreneurs. They also highlight that the foundation on which the Kolubara Bio-District was created is organic agriculture, and that organic producers and organic products are precisely what should make this region unique and recognizable. Without this, the area could become just another attractive tourist destination.

The training demonstrated how important knowledge, cooperation, and a shared vision are for the future of the Kolubara Bio-District. Through the exchange of experiences and the generous support of the lecturers, as well as among the participants themselves, the connections between them were further strengthened, showing that tourism can be a powerful driver of development—but only if it is sustainable, because only sustainable tourism brings benefits to local communities, nature, and future generations.

Branislav Anđelić presented the overall structure and capacities of organic production and the agricultural sector in Serbia, as well as the potential product offer, while Petar Simić spoke about the Free Trade Agreement between the Republic of Serbia and the People’s Republic of China, as well as the Kolubara Biodistrict.

The goal of the conference was to encourage sustainable development of the organic sector through integrating international perspectives, exchanging best practices, and strengthening the global organic products market, with a particular focus on enhancing partnerships with countries that have strategic ties with China, such as Germany, Serbia, New Zealand, and numerous Asian states, especially the countries of Central Asia.

These partnerships aim to enable easier trade in organically certified products, greater cooperation within the industry, and the fostering of innovation in sustainable agriculture.

During the conference, a Memorandum of Cooperation was also signed with the Hebei Province Organic Industry Promotion Association, designated by the central government of the PRC as the institution responsible for cooperation with Serbia in the field of organic production. This memorandum is expected to contribute to easier placement of Serbian organic products on the Chinese market.

The Chinese hosts emphasized that there is considerable interest in the Chinese market for Serbian organic wines, honey, chocolates, as well as other products, including wheat and various grains.

The placement of Serbian products on the Chinese market is further facilitated by the entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement, which has reduced or completely eliminated tariffs on numerous Serbian agricultural and food products.

]]> https://serbiaorganica.info/en/twinning-of-mionica-serbia-and-ceraso-italy-based-on-biodistrict-values/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:10:30 +0000 https://serbiaorganica.info/?p=16541 The municipality of Mionica, where the first biodistrict in Serbia and the region began to emerge in 2023, and the municipality of Ceraso in Italy, home of the first registered biodistrict in Italy – the Cilento Biodistrict -have officially twin-partnered during a ceremony held on September 29th in Mionica.

The idea of this twinning originated from Serbia Organica, the organization that initiated the establishment of the Kolubara Biodistrict and forged a partnership with the Cilento Biodistrict and the International Network of Eco-Regions (IN.N.E.R.), based in Milan, founded on shared values and principles.The process of establishing the Kolubara Biodistrict was supported by an IN. N.E. R consultant Dr. Juan Pablo Sciurano from Argentina.

The initiative was inspired by the visit of the Serbian delegation to Cilento in April 2025, organized by Serbia Organica with the support of FAO. This visit provided an opportunity for direct exchange of experiences, which laid the groundwork for defining the future direction of cooperation. This twinning is thus rooted in the recognition of shared values that both communities not only uphold but actively develop – such as respect for tradition and heritage, a sustainable approach to development, and a strong role of the local community in preserving identity and nature.It is precisely this mutual closeness that has encouraged the desire to further advance and spread these values ​​through cooperation, exchange of experiences and joint activities and ideas.

On this occasion, Boban Janković, Mayor of Mionica, emphasized that the local government strongly supports organic production and initiatives of this kind.

Angelo Croccamo, Mayor of Ceraso, recalled that the first biodistrict in Europe was founded precisely in their municipality, in Cilento:”A biodistrict is not just an agricultural model – it’s a way of life. It connects people with the land, preserves tradition, and offers a healthier future. The fact that we are twinning today with Serbia and Mionica shows that our shared journey has deep meaning.”

Special support was also expressed by Dr. Salvatore Basile, President of the International Network of Eco-Regions (IN.N.E.R.):“Serbia is one of the first countries in the region to adopt the concept of biodistricts. I believe that Italy’s experience will be a valuable foundation for your future development. The emergence of new biodistricts in Serbia will be further proof that this model has the power to transform entire communities.”

Ivana Simić from Serbia Organica presented the pioneering path -from the initial idea of founding the first biodistrict in Serbia and the region (initiated by Serbia Organica) to its successful realization:”Today, the Kolubara Biodistrict is not only a pioneering initiative, but also a model of success – in Serbia and in the region. It shows that biodistricts can contribute to environmental protection, preservation of natural resources, strengthening of the local economy, and improving the quality of life in rural areas. And most importantly, they help raise awareness among children and youth on these important topics through their direct engagement.”She added: “We are confident that our roadmap can become an inspiration and guide for the development of future biodistricts in Serbia, the region, and beyond. The achievements made so far clearly show that this approach is sustainable and offers multiple benefits – for producers and for the entire community.”

The ceremony was further honored by the presence of H.E. Luca Gori, Ambassador of Italy to Serbia, who stated:”This twinning between Mionica and Ceraso is yet another testament to the strong friendship between Italy and Serbia. It marks a step toward deeper cooperation in the fields of organic agriculture and sustainable development. The fact that Serbia is recognizing and adopting this model is proof that we share the same vision – one of responsibility toward nature and future generations.”

Jelena Blagojević, State Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Serbia, emphasized that the government has recognized the importance of organic production, and that this model represents a foundation for the future of rural development:”I would especially like to thank Serbia Organica for recognizing and promoting the concept of biodistricts in our country. The establishment of the Kolubara Biodistrict in 2024 is one of the most important steps Serbia has taken toward integrating sustainable practices in agriculture and rural development. This is not just a local initiative, but a vision that connects people, nature, and tradition into a unique model of development.”

The delegation was led by Serbia Organica, which showcased to the world the development path of the first territorial development model through organic agriculture in our region.

Ivana Simić, on behalf of Serbia Organica, presented the process of introducing the biodistrict concept in Serbia, as well as the concrete achievements reached by applying a unique methodology based on the IN.N.E.R. methodology, but adapted to the local context and conditions. This enabled the creation of this significant and functional example that stands out not only in Serbia but also in the wider region.

Pavle Đorđević, coordinator of the Kolubara Biodistrict, presented this pioneering initiative, highlighting best practices of cooperation between the local community and institutions, based on organic production aimed at protecting natural resources, biodiversity, and improving organic farming.

Congress theme:
“Holistic Organic Agriculture as a Driver of High-Quality Economic Development at the District Level”, organized in co-organization with the local government of Datong and IFOAM Asia, with support from the International Network of Eco-Regions (IN.N.E.R) and the Global Alliance of Organic Districts (GAOD).

The conference focused on solutions to climate change, land degradation, and the implementation of environmentally friendly technologies.

Throughout the forum, numerous examples of good practice were presented, along with calls for international cooperation.

This event demonstrates that organic agriculture is not just a method of production, but a tool for social transformation, economic renewal, and global solidarity.

Serbia’s participation in this important congress confirms that we are part of the global movement for a sustainable future, and that we have much to offer-knowledge, vision, experience, and concrete innovative models, such as the Kolubara Biodistrict.

Ivana Simić

Pavle Đorđević

Ivana Simić

Pavle Đorđević

Ivana Simić

Pavle Đorđević

You can find out all this and much more on the new website here 

On this occasion, we would like to express our deep gratitude for the support in developing the Kolubara Biodistrict to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which supported the creation of this website through the implementation of the project “From Grain to Sustainability – Food Systems for All”, funded by the Joint SDG Fund.

We would also like to especially thank the amazing team at Nine Pixels, whose professionalism, understanding, and dedication to our vision made a huge contribution – above all through their innovation, creativity, and strong commitment within a very limited timeframe.

Organic production and the application of IT solutions in it, the influence and importance of the economy in transformation, innovative solutions such as biodistricts, regional challenges and solutions, the ministry’s contribution to the transformation process of food systems were the topics of this dialogue, which gathered all relevant actors and enabled an open exchange of opinions on sustainable food production and preserving the safety of food systems, especially in the context of climate change and global political challenges.

Panelists: Veljko Jovanović, Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Ivana Simić, Serbia Organica, Matej Gostiša, Logineco, Dobrila Sudimac Mratinković, Regional Development Agency – Center for the Development of Jablanica and Pčinj Districts and Miloš Stojanović, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management.

Following a thorough analysis and a positive response from local stakeholders, the Kolubara region was selected as the pilot area for the first biodistrict in Serbia and Southeast Europe. A visual identity and legal protection for the biodistrict were established, and from the very beginning, farmers, researchers, universities, institutions, entrepreneurs, and media were involved.

Throughout 2023, numerous trainings, workshops, and three major conferences were held – two in Novi Sad and one in Belgrade at the Faculty of Agriculture – where the wider public was introduced to the biodistrict concept. Open Organic Farm Days were also organized. The first official body – the Kolubara Biodistrict Promotional Committee – was established in May 2024 at the “Organela” farm in Valjevska Kamenica.

The laying of the foundation stone in the village of Tolić near Mionica in May 2024 symbolically marked the beginning of the biodistrict’s development. Shortly after, the Kolubara Biodistrict received international recognition from the IN.N.E.R. network. Serbia Organica presented the concept at the International Congress in Portugal (July and August 2024), as well as at the conference in Sardinia (November 2024), where a formal cooperation agreement between Serbia Organica and IN.N.E.R. was signed.

Since autumn 2024, the Kolubara Biodistrict has been defining its strategic goals and forming working groups, which will result in an Action Plan and a Business Plan for the next two years. The first joint public appearances took place at the Ethno Food and Drink Fair in Belgrade (November 2024) and the International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad (May 2025).

In April 2025, a study visit to the renowned Italian biodistrict Cilento (founded in 2004) was organized with the support of FAO and the UN SDG Fund project “From Seed to Sustainability – Food Systems for All.” This visit brought valuable experiences and inspiration for further development.

In May 2025, in cooperation with the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, a roundtable titled “Biodistricts – A Tool for the Development of Organic Production and Sustainable Local Economic Growth” was held, followed by a regional networking event in Kolubara aimed at knowledge exchange and concept promotion. In June 2025, a media visit to the Kolubara Biodistrict was organized to present the full potential of this model to the public.

Biodistricts represent a holistic approach to territorial development that integrates agriculture, tourism, the environment, culture, education, and science. At their core lies organic production and the principles of health, ecology, fairness, and care. As the first of its kind in Serbia, the Kolubara Biodistrict becomes a symbol of national transformation toward sustainable, integrated, and resilient local communities.