First field day of regenerative agriculture in Serbia

The event, organized by the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance of Serbia, took place on the slopes near Takovo and was hosted by the Takovo Berry Cooperative, a producer specialized in cultivating highbush American blueberries. It brought together farmers, institutional representatives, students, experts, media, and the embassies of the Netherlands and Norway — all who believe that the future of food begins with healthy soil.

About Takovo Berry

Located in the mountainous region of Western Serbia, Takovo Berry is among the pioneers of regenerative and biological blueberry cultivation in the country.

The cooperative manages around 12 hectares of highbush American blueberries, grown on mineral-rich volcanic soil. The combination of altitude, biodiversity, and cool summer nights contributes to the exceptional taste and nutritional quality of the fruit.

Takovo Berry also works with several subcontractors across the region and holds GlobalG.A.P. certification, ensuring production of safe, pesticide-residue-free fruit for both domestic and export markets.

Representatives of the LAN team at the Dutch Embassy in Belgrade welcomed the initiative as a valuable example of how Serbian producers are turning toward climate-smart and regenerative approaches to farming — these approaches align with areas where Dutch expertise and innovation can provide valuable support in the years ahead.

Serbia lagging in meeting its climate targets

Serbia is lagging in meeting its climate targets, and urgent action is needed to close the gap, said Blagoje Paunović, President of the Fiscal Council. Speaking at the presentation of the report "Serbia's Climate-Energy Transition and Public Finances: Will 'CBAM' Be the Trigger for Change?" at the National Bank of Serbia, Paunović stressed that climate and energy policies must become a top priority for the government.

He emphasized that Serbia’s fiscal policy should play a central role in accelerating the transition, following the model of the European Union. Reforms are needed on both the revenue and expenditure sides, including introducing a CO2 emission fee system and allocating more budget resources to climate and energy initiatives.

Paunović recalled that the Paris Agreement sets a target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 33 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and that Serbia has pledged under the Sofia Declaration to align with EU climate objectives. He noted that the EU has already cut GHG emissions by roughly 30 percent since 2005 and continues to strengthen its climate policies.

Starting in 2026, the EU will implement a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), which will impose a charge on the carbon footprint of imported products from countries including Serbia.

According to the report, Serbia is unlikely to meet its Paris Agreement emission reduction targets by 2030, and the ambitious EUR 30 billion investment plan outlined in the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (INEKP) faces significant hurdles.

The report warns that failing to prioritize the energy transition could have serious fiscal and economic consequences, undermining both energy security and the competitiveness of Serbian products in the EU market.

Currently, Serbia’s GHG emissions per unit of output are nearly double the Central and Eastern European average due to low energy efficiency and an unfavorable energy mix. The country consumes 55 percent more energy per unit of GDP than the regional average, largely because of outdated industrial technology, poor building insulation, and high electricity transmission losses.

Plazma biscuit production launched in Nigeria

On October 15, 2025, the company Bambi announced that production of its iconic Plazma biscuit brand has begun in Lagos, Nigeria, marking the company’s first venture into the African market. This milestone was made possible through collaboration with the Coca-Cola HBC Group, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), and Sona Group, a local biscuit manufacturer.

The Plazma recipe, packaging, and marketing have been specifically adapted for Nigerian consumers, with production at Sona Group’s Lagos facility intended exclusively for the Nigerian market. Bambi General Manager Dragan Stajković highlighted that, while Plazma has been exported to more than 30 countries, this is the first time it is being produced outside Serbia, in a nation of 240 million people.

“Plazma is not only a cherished Serbian brand but also one with global potential, opening new doors and creating opportunities across diverse markets,” said Milica Šetka, an executive at Coca-Cola HBC. “Local production supports the Nigerian economy, generates jobs, fosters partnerships, and delivers lasting value to consumers and the wider community.”

Six years ago, Coca-Cola HBC acquired Bambi for EUR 260 million from the investment fund Mid Europa Partners and the company Moji Brendovi. Previously, Bambi, together with dairy producer Imlek and mineral water company Knjaz Miloš, was part of the Salford investment fund, which sold these companies in 2015 to Mid Europa Partners and Moji Brendovi for EUR 575 million.

More information

For more information about regenerative agriculture in Serbia, you can reach out to the LAN team in Serbia via bel-lvvn@minbuza.nl.