Serbia in focus

Beoplant Fair 2026 highlights Serbia’s horticulture potential

The 31st International Horticulture Fair Beoplant Fair was held at the Belgrade Fair alongside the jubilee 50th International Building Trade Fair SEEBBE, bringing together more than 500 exhibitors from over 30 countries.

Under the slogan “A Garden in the Heart of the City,” the fair showcased the latest trends in horticulture, nursery production, organic products, garden equipment and green urban solutions.

Opening the event, Minister of Agriculture Dragan Glamočić highlighted that Serbia’s horticulture sector holds significant, yet still underutilised potential. With around 600 hectares of open-field production and 270 hectares under greenhouses, the sector benefits from favourable climate conditions, strong nursery tradition and growing market demand.

At the same time, Serbia’s horticulture trade reached nearly €49 million, with a clear gap between imports and exports pointing to opportunities for strengthening domestic production and market positioning.

The parallel SEEBBE fair also underlined the importance of green construction, with Minister of Construction Aleksandra Sofronijević emphasising the government’s strategic focus on sustainable building and urban development.

The LAN Belgrade team attended the opening ceremony and joined the official tour of the fair led by both ministers. During our tour of the fair we noticed that the sector is at an interesting stage towards upgrading to the next (tech) level of horticulture.

Donau Soja brings stakeholders together to strengthen climate resilience in the soy sector

Donau Soja organised a regional meeting to launch the Working Group on Institutional Support and Investments, as part of a broader effort to strengthen soybean production and processing under changing climate conditions.

The initiative responds to increasing climate pressures in Southeast Europe, particularly in the southern Pannonian Basin, where drought, heat and shifting agroecological conditions are already affecting yields and quality.

The working group brings together public and private stakeholders to identify investment needs, policy gaps and financial instruments supporting adaptation measures such as irrigation, soil improvement, improved varieties and stronger value-chain organisation.

Participants confirmed strong interest in continued cooperation and stressed the need for better coordination and visibility of existing support mechanisms. Regional exchange, private-sector engagement, improved access to IPARD and IPA funding, and agricultural insurance were highlighted as key priorities.

The process forms part of a wider Regional Action Plan, alongside working groups on agriculture and market and processing, aiming to define practical steps towards a more resilient and competitive soy sector.

The LAN Belgrade team participated in the meeting to explore where Dutch knowledge and innovation can add value, particularly in water management, climate-smart farming, soil health and value-chain development. These areas present various opportunities for Dutch agri-tech and supply chain companies. We highly appreciated the presence of several (commercial) banks with a clear interest in how they can contribute to adaptations in agriculture in relation to climate change.

Modern pepper production in Serbia combines local expertise with advanced technology

Branislav Đurđević’s family-owned farm in Pećinci, Serbia, is a strong example of how innovation is reshaping horticultural production. The company operates around 10 hectares of covered production, including 2.5 hectares under hydroponic systems based on coco substrate.

Focused on bell peppers, the farm combines high-quality inputs and advanced growing techniques to achieve high yields, consistent quality and uniform products. Production relies, among other things, on Koppert pollinators and beneficial insects and onEnza Zaden, while modern (Dutch) greenhouse technology ensures optimal growing conditions throughout the production cycle.

Part of the greenhouse infrastructure was supported through IPARD I funds, contributing to state-of-the-art facilities and improved production efficiency.

During the visit, the team spoke with Aleksandar Đorđević, Branislav’s son, who emphasised the importance of continuous investment and knowledge transfer for maintaining competitiveness.

The LAN Belgrade team visited the farm and was impressed by how successfully the company has combined its own experience with Dutch knowledge and technology, while also making effective use of EU support through IPARD funds. It was also great pleasure meeting a young agri-entrepreneur who spoke with such passion about this growing family business.

Preparations underway for Novi Sad Agricultural Fair 2026

The LAN Belgrade team is preparing for the upcoming Novi Sad Agricultural Fair 2026, taking place from 16-21 May 2026.

As part of the preparations, a coordination meeting was held with the Provincial Secretariat for Agriculture of Vojvodina and the Chamber of Commerce of Vojvodina.

The discussion focused on a joint seminar on climate change and protected cultivation, which will be held during the fair. These two topics are highly relevant for improving productivity, managing risks and strengthening long-term sustainability.

The meeting confirmed strong cooperation between dedicated and enthusiastic partners and a shared commitment to delivering a practical, forward-looking programme that supports a more resilient agricultural sector in the region.