ABOUT THE PROJECT
The project is being implemented by the Vojvodina Organic Cluster in collaboration with the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad and the Halba company from Switzerland. The project proposal was selected in the PPP call (Public-Private Partnership), announced under the OT4D (Organic Trade for Development) project. It is supported by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland and the Helvetas organization, with the IFOAM – International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements and FiBL – Research Institute of Organic Agriculture in Switzerland also part of the OT4D project consortium.
The project consists of two components. The first component focuses on establishing a sustainable system for the production of confectionery sunflower under climate change conditions, creating new opportunities for individual organic producers. This component works on optimizing agrotechnical practices, improving yield and quality, and better organizing production on farms. Its goal is to enable producers to process and export sunflower to the demanding Swiss market by meeting the high standards and needs of the company Halba, as well as by ensuring the required quantities, stable quality, and continuity of supply, which is crucial for long-term cooperation and sustainable market placement.
The second component of the project is focused on establishing demonstration trials with the aim of adapting the concept of Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF), also known as syntropic agriculture, to the agroecological conditions of the Republic of Serbia. The team from the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, together with the company ECOTOP and with the support of the Vojvodina Organic Cluster, has designed and established four demonstration trials based on DAF principles. These represent showcase systems for studying these principles and practically transferring knowledge and experience to the scientific and professional community, as well as to farmers. Hazelnut and apple orchards have been enriched with fast-, medium-, and slow-growing woody species that provide shade and serve as a source of material for soil cover production, while arable crops are cultivated between the rows. The research focuses on the effects of such systems on soil characteristics, as well as on the biological and productive traits of plant species within the system.
Within the project, numerous activities are organized with the aim of improving and strengthening the operations of organic producers. These activities include connecting with the Swiss companies Halba and Ecotop, thereby creating opportunities for export and more secure market placement of products. A special emphasis is placed on educating producers through trainings on the BioSuisse standard, which is key for entering the demanding Swiss market. In addition, study visits, workshops, and practical trainings are organized, as well as various support programs aimed at market expansion and enhancing the quality of organic production.
A project summary is available in the brochure, and all current news, training announcements, and events can be followed on our website and social media channels. In this way, you will be informed in a timely manner and able to take advantage of all the opportunities the project offers.
