EIT Food Hub: 17 applications for agricultural innovation development
In response to the call for support programs issued by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), Serbia received 17 applications. More than half of the applicants from researchers applied for the Team up program, which connects talented technological innovators with suitable business partners to accelerate innovation commercialization.
Additionally, interested startups, entrepreneurs, and companies could apply for three other programs – Test Farms, Jumpstarter, and Sales Booster. The invitation was extended by NALED, which will represent EIT in the regional network of Food Hubs over the next two years. Alongside the Faculty of Agriculture in Novi Sad, NALED will represent Serbia.
The first information day, held for all applicants and those interested in learning about the EIT Food Hub's work, began with presentations outlining the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management's plans for the upcoming period, focusing particularly on livestock farming. Branislav Raketić, Head of the Department for Food Labeling, Quality, and Organic Production, mentioned ongoing efforts to develop a long-term Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy, aimed at guiding the food industry's main directions.
Smiljana Krivokuća, Director of the BIO4 campus, addressed attendees, highlighting that after healthcare, food would be the next major topic for the campus, along with packaging, CO2 emissions, and other aspects related to food sector development. She encouraged everyone to submit proposals on how the campus should be equipped, which stakeholders should be engaged, and other relevant suggestions.
Research by NALED indicated that the total CO2 footprint in the Serbian supply chain from field to table is estimated at approximately 6 million tons of emissions. Of these, 66% come from agricultural production, 24% from processing industries, and the remainder from transport, storage, and retail.
Todo Terzić, Manager for Regulatory Reform at NALED, discussed the economic advantages of transitioning from conventional to regenerative land management models, such as potential 40% reductions in fuel costs. Sustainable agriculture models could also help address transit barriers, develop recyclable packaging, and improve food labeling for consumer clarity.
With support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), NALED developed a Guide for transitioning to regenerative agriculture methods in primary crop production. This guide aims to highlight the benefits of regenerative agriculture over conventional methods, aiming for stable yields and reduced environmental impact on land, water, and air.
Ewa Karólewska, Senior Project Manager for startup support at EIT, joined to greet attendees and introduce the new Impact Funding Framework program, with applications opening in November. All teams of researchers and entrepreneurs have time to prepare and apply to secure financial support for the development and commercialization of their solutions.
