NALED at Agro Belgrade 2026: Regenerative and Sustainable Agriculture in Focus
How to improve the regulatory framework, accelerate the adoption of sustainable and regenerative practices, and increase the competitiveness of domestic agriculture were the key topics of expert panels organized by NALED at the 7th International Fruit, Vegetable and Viticulture Fair – Agro Belgrade 2026, held from 29 to 31 January at the Belgrade Fair.
Agro Belgrade 2026 brought together more than 500 exhibitors from 15 countries, who presented innovative solutions in agricultural production, processing, mechanization, inputs and services, as well as a rich offer of fresh and processed fruit and vegetable products. Through three thematic discussions organized by NALED, representatives of academia, the business sector, international organizations and institutions addressed key issues related to the development of a sustainable food system in Serbia and its alignment with European policies.
The regulatory framework for the development of sustainable agriculture was discussed by Prof. Dr. Tatjana Brankov from the Serbian Association of Agricultural Economists, Karin Slobbe-Visser from FoodValley, agribusiness consultant Valter Miceli, and Ivanka Stojnić from Nestlé, with the discussion moderated by Todo Terzić, Head of the Food and Agriculture Unit at NALED.
Participants discussed the alignment of national policies with European frameworks such as the Green Deal and the “Farm to Fork” strategy, as well as the role of industry and supply chains in expanding sustainable and regenerative practices. Particular emphasis was placed on regulatory mechanisms, instruments of the Common Agricultural Policy, and cooperation models that can contribute to greater producer competitiveness and added value of agricultural products.
The central theme of the Fireside Talk was international cooperation and the prospects for agricultural development in Serbia. The discussion featured Michiel van Erkel, Agricultural Attaché of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Ivanka Stojnić from Nestlé, and was moderated by a NALED representative.
Practical business experiences were the focus of the panel “Regenerative Agriculture in Practice”, which brought together Jelena Matić from ADM Sojaprotein, Mileta Čuljković from Takovo Berry, Emilija Stefanović from Donau Soja, and Nebojša Balać from KITE doo. The panel was moderated by Slobodan Krstović, Director of the Sustainable Development Department at NALED.
Key issues related to improving the regulatory framework, implementing sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices, and strengthening the competitiveness of domestic agriculture were raised during the discussions. The Draft Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development for the period 2025–2034 was also presented.
The importance of NALED’s participation at this year’s fair was further confirmed by the awarding of an honorary recognition for organization and contribution to the development of dialogue, innovation, and sustainable solutions in the agri-food sector.
