From September 18–19, 2025, the regional conference “Farming the Future: Smart Agriculture in the Western Balkans” was held in Belgrade, bringing together experts, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from across the region. The conference focused on key challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector, including the adoption of smart technologies, digitalization of farming practices, sustainable production, and the development of workforce skills needed for the future of agriculture. Participants discussed regional trends, shared experiences from different countries, and explored strategies to improve labor market readiness and policy support for the agri-food sector.
The event featured a series of sessions addressing topics such as innovation in farming, the role of education and training in agriculture, and cross-border cooperation in developing sustainable agricultural practices. Discussions highlighted the importance of aligning labor market needs with skills development, as well as fostering collaboration between public institutions, private sector actors, and research organizations to ensure a resilient and modern agricultural sector.
Representing CREDI, researchers Nermin Oruč and Ilma Kurtović attended several sessions, contributing insights from Bosnia and Herzegovina and engaging in discussions with regional stakeholders. During one of the sessions, Professor Alen Mujčinović presented preliminary findings from the regional study on labor and skills in the agri-food sector, which sparked further discussion among participants. These findings will be included in the final report, which will be published soon.
CREDI values the opportunity to participate in regional initiatives that support evidence-based approaches, promote smart labor practices, and contribute to the sustainable development of agriculture in the Western Balkans.
