Balkan Rural Development Network

30/04/2026

🏆 Celebrating innovation in rural development.

As part of the 4th Balkan Rural Parliament, the Regional Farm to Fork Academy Awards recognised initiatives that are driving sustainable agriculture and stronger rural communities across the Western Balkans.

From youth engagement and digital innovation to biodiversity and value chain development, the awarded initiatives show how local action can create real impact.

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This event is supported by the CEI Cooperation Fund; the German Government through GIZ within the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans; the EU-funded project “Farm to Fork Academy for Green Western Balkans – Our Shared European Future”; RIBES – Regional Inclusive Biobased Entrepreneurship Solutions; and SWG – Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in South East Europe.

The Regional Farm to Fork Academy Awards at the 4th Balkan Rural Parliament recognised innovative initiatives supporting sustainable agriculture and rural development in the Western Balkans.

30/04/2026

🌿 From dialogue to action.

The 4th Balkan Rural Parliament in Bar continued with a strong focus on co-creation, bringing participants together to develop practical solutions for rural development in the Western Balkans.

Through interactive working groups, discussions, and the presentation of the Draft Declaration, the day highlighted the importance of collaboration, shared responsibility, and concrete next steps.

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This event is supported by the CEI Cooperation Fund; the German Government through GIZ within the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans; the EU-funded project “Farm to Fork Academy for Green Western Balkans – Our Shared European Future”; RIBES – Regional Inclusive Biobased Entrepreneurship Solutions; and SWG – Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in South East Europe.

Day 2 of the 4th Balkan Rural Parliament focused on co-creation, working groups, and concrete solutions for rural development in the Western Balkans.

29/04/2026

🌿 Field visits during the 4th Balkan Rural Parliament in Montenegro offered a closer look at how rural development works in practice.

From Kuća Maslina in Stari Bar, to Lućka in Tuzi and Drita’s Homemade Products in Podgorica, participants explored local initiatives that connect tradition, innovation, and sustainable practices.

🔗 Read more 👇



This event is supported by the CEI Cooperation Fund; the German Government through GIZ within the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans; the EU-funded project “Farm to Fork Academy for Green Western Balkans – Our Shared European Future”; RIBES project – Regional Inclusive Biobased Entrepreneurship Solutions; and SWG – Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in South East Europe.

Field visits during the 4th Balkan Rural Parliament in Montenegro highlighted local initiatives, sustainable agriculture, and rural entrepreneurship in the Western Balkans.

29/04/2026

The 4th Balkan Rural Parliament opened in Bar with a focus on regional cooperation, dialogue, and key rural development challenges.

The first day brought together diverse perspectives and set the foundation for the discussions and co-creation sessions that followed.

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This event is supported by the CEI Cooperation Fund; the German Government through GIZ within the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans; the EU-funded project “Farm to Fork Academy for Green Western Balkans – Our Shared European Future”; RIBES project - Regional Inclusive Biobased Entrepreneurship Solutions; and SWG – Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in South East Europe.

The 4th Balkan Rural Parliament brought together regional stakeholders to discuss rural development, sustainability, and cooperation across the Western Balkans.

27/04/2026

🌱 The 4th Balkan Rural Parliament hosted the Regional Farm to Fork Academy Awards, recognising initiatives that contribute to sustainable agriculture and rural development across the Western Balkans.

The awards are part of the project “Farm to Fork Academy for Green Western Balkans, Our shared European future”, funded by the European Union and implemented by the network of national rural development networks in the region.

🏆 Awarded initiatives:
🇧🇦 Network of Young Agripreneurs, “Campaign: Youth in Agriculture” Mreža mladih agropreduzetnika
🇷🇸 GFT Brothers DOO Beograd, “MOBA” Moba zajednica
🇽🇰 Beekeeping Etniki Bletaria Etniki

Selected from 79 applications from across the region, these initiatives stood out for their innovation, sustainability, and impact in rural communities.

💬 From supporting young people in agriculture, to introducing digital solutions and promoting biodiversity and local products, the awarded initiatives show how rural communities are already contributing to greener and more resilient food systems.

Farm to Fork Academy



This event is supported by the CEI Cooperation Fund; the German Government through GIZ within the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans; EU funded project - Farm to Fork Academy for Green Western Balkans - Our shared European future; RIBES – Regional Inclusive Biobased Entrepreneurship Solutions; and SWG – Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in South East Europe.

27/04/2026

🌱 The Regional Farm to Fork Academy Awards, held during the 4th Balkan Rural Parliament, highlighted inspiring initiatives from across the Western Balkans that are contributing to more sustainable food systems and rural development.

🏆 Congratulations to the winners and all participants for their dedication, ideas, and commitment to a greener and more resilient regional future.

This event is supported by the CEI Cooperation Fund; the German Government through GIZ within the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans; EU funded project - Farm to Fork Academy for Green Western Balkans - Our shared European future; RIBES – Regional Inclusive Biobased Entrepreneurship Solutions; and SWG – Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in South East Europe.

27/04/2026

🌿 The 4th Balkan Rural Parliament once again brought together voices from across the Western Balkans.

This event is supported by the CEI Cooperation Fund; the German Government through GIZ within the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans; EU funded project - Farm to Fork Academy for Green Western Balkans - Our shared European future; RIBES – Regional Inclusive Biobased Entrepreneurship Solutions; and SWG – Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in South East Europe.
💬 Through discussions, working groups, and regional initiatives, the event highlighted key priorities for rural development, from youth engagement to climate action and sustainable food systems.

🤝 A valuable space for cooperation, exchange, and building a shared vision for the future of rural communities.

27/04/2026

🌿 The 4th Balkan Rural Parliament brought together rural networks and stakeholders from across the Western Balkans.

🤝 A strong example of regional cooperation, exchange of ideas, and joint work towards more sustainable rural communities.

This event is supported by the CEI Cooperation Fund; the German Government through GIZ within the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans; EU funded project - Farm to Fork Academy for Green Western Balkans - Our shared European future; RIBES – Regional Inclusive Biobased Entrepreneurship Solutions; and SWG – Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in South East Europe.

27/04/2026

🌿 Inspiring work recognised at the 4th Balkan Rural Parliament.

👏 Congratulations to the winners of the Farm to Fork Academy Awards for driving sustainable agriculture and rural development forward.

This event is supported by the CEI Cooperation Fund; the German Government through GIZ within the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans; EU funded project - Farm to Fork Academy for Green Western Balkans - Our shared European future; RIBES – Regional Inclusive Biobased Entrepreneurship Solutions; and SWG – Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in South East Europe.

24/04/2026

🌿 The 4th Balkan Rural Parliament in Bar continued with a focus on turning dialogue into concrete action.

The day began with an introduction to the working process and a clear focus on co-creation. Participants engaged in interactive working groups, where they identified key challenges and worked together to develop practical solutions and recommendations.

Discussions covered some of the most important topics for rural development in the region, including youth engagement, climate change and circular bioeconomy, sustainable food systems, and community-led development.

🤝 The working sessions were dynamic and collaborative, bringing together different perspectives and experiences from across the Western Balkans. Participants worked in smaller groups, defined priorities, and shaped recommendations that reflect real needs on the ground.

📌 The outcomes were presented through an interactive poster session, allowing participants to exchange feedback and further refine ideas.

🏆 The programme also included the Regional Farm to Fork Academy Awards, recognising initiatives that contribute to sustainable agriculture and rural development, as well as the PREPARE Gathering and General Assembly.

📢 A central moment of the day was the presentation of the Draft Declaration, read by Petar Gjorgievski, President of the Balkan Rural Development Network, outlining key priorities and recommendations for the future.

The Parliament officially closed with a summary of achievements and a forward-looking perspective on continued regional cooperation.

🎶 The day ended with a farewell dinner, live music, and an unforgettable karaoke night that brought everyone together beyond the formal programme.

Day 2 captured the essence of the Parliament, collaboration, exchange, and a shared commitment to action.



This event is supported by the CEI Cooperation Fund; the German Government through GIZ within the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans; EU funded project - Farm to Fork Academy for Green Western Balkans - Our shared European future; RIBES – Regional Inclusive Biobased Entrepreneurship Solutions; and SWG – Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in South East Europe.

23/04/2026

🌿 The 4th Balkan Rural Parliament officially kicked off in Bar, Montenegro, bringing together stakeholders from across the Western Balkans for a day of dialogue, exchange, and inspiration.

The opening session set the tone for the event, with representatives from institutions, regional networks, and international organisations highlighting the importance of cooperation and stronger rural voices in shaping future policies.

💬 As emphasized by Petar Gjorgievski, President of the Balkan Rural Development Network:
“The ‘rural voice’ is no longer a whisper in the halls of decision makers. It is a clear, structured, and respected dialogue that influences national strategies and regional policies.”

The day continued with thematic panel discussions focused on key rural development challenges, including:
🌱youth engagement in rural areas
♻️ climate change and circular bioeconomy
🌾 sustainable food systems
🤝community-led development approaches

Experts and local actors from across the region shared insights and experiences, contributing to a dynamic exchange of ideas and solutions.

🌍 In the afternoon, participants visited local initiatives in the Bar region, including Kuća Maslina, Lućka olive oil production, and Drita’s Natural Products (ljekovito.me). These visits provided a closer look at innovative practices, local entrepreneurship, and the richness of rural communities.

Day 1 highlighted the importance of connecting policy, practice, and people, setting a strong foundation for the discussions and co-creation sessions that follow.