Sustainable Sunflower Farming in Serbia – A Climate-Resilient Approach

Vojvodina is one of Serbia’s most important sunflower-growing regions, with a rising demand for organic sunflower kernels. However, climate change and declining yield stability threaten long-term production.

This project is testing climate-resilient farming systems, including Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF), while exploring new export opportunities for organic sunflower products.

Strategic Goals: Strengthening Organic Agriculture & Value Chains

• Develop a climate-resilient value chain for Bio Suisse-certified sunflower kernels, including access to organic-certified processing infrastructure.
• Build a network linking large-scale organic producers and small-scale farmers to international organic markets.
• Establish diversified Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF) demo plots in Serbia as a future farming model.
• Improve advisory services for organic farming through IFVCNS.
• Promote circular economy by identifying high-value uses for sunflower shells.

Scaling Innovation in Organic Sunflower Farming

The project focussed on the following key activities: 

• Strengthen partnerships between small farmers and producers like Halba to build robust business relationships.
• Train Vojvodina Organic Cluster (VOC) staff in post-harvest management, organic certification, and value chain governance.
• Test innovative DAF-based farming systems on small- and large-scale farms.
• Enhance farmer capacity in biodiversity and soil fertility management.
• Evaluate market opportunities for sunflower shells to improve price competitiveness.

Le’s build a Stronger Organic Sunflower Sector

This project pioneers resilient, nature-inclusive farming models, boosts organic exports, and fosters collaboration between large businesses and small-scale farmers, contributing to sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.