About Project

CONTEXT

Serbia is gradually aligning its agriculture and environmental protection systems with European Union standards, including policies under the EU Green Deal, the “Farm to Fork” Strategy and Chapter 12.

In practical terms, this means improving the way plant protection products are managed and controlled, from their registration and sale to their use in the field and waste management. Although Serbia already has a legal framework in place, further improvements are needed to fully meet EU requirements and support more sustainable agricultural practices.

For consumers, this means safer food on the table, better protection of public health and a cleaner environment. For producers, it means clearer rules, stronger professional support and better opportunities to compete both domestically and on export markets.

Strengthening national monitoring systems, advisory services, digital databases and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) contributes to safe and effective plant protection, reduces risks to human health and the environment, and supports the long-term sustainability of agriculture.

Project aims to address critical issues in pesticide management, with the aim of enhancing agrifood system transformation, ensuring food safety, and protecting the environment and public health, through aligning Serbia's agriculture and rural development policies with the EU's Common Agricultural Policy and Green Deal objectives, specifically focusing on pesticide regulation and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

PROJECT SCOPE

Project “EU for sustainable plant protection in Serbia” focuses on strengthening the implementation of national legislation in pesticide management, improving national systems for pesticide registration and monitoring, building professional capacities at different levels and raising public awareness about the risks of improper pesticide use and the availability of environmentally friendly alternatives.

In other words, the project helps the system work better in practice — ensuring that farmers have reliable information and support, institutions carry out effective oversight, and citizens can have greater confidence in the safety of the food they consume.

Expected results:

 - Mechanisms, tools and instruments established for enhancing/reinforcing legal framework on lifecycle management of pesticides.

 - National capacities strengthened at various levels including policymakers, professional users and farmers to enhance lifecycle  management of pesticides and IPM.

 - Pesticide risk communication strategy implemented for improved awareness of relevant stakeholders on risks related to the use of pesticides and its impact to health and environment.