A group of tourists arrive at the Pešić household, looking around curiously and asking about lunch options near Tomaševo, a small village of about 300 inhabitants in northeastern Montenegro. A region known for its mountainous terrain and scenic landscapes, agritourism is just starting to take shape, mostly from other Europeans looking to experience the charm and peace of rural life.

After three years as a news correspondent, Nino Tadiashvili decided to transition to agricultural production – a long-standing family tradition in the Gavazi village of the Kakheti region in Georgia. Through the European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD), funded by the European Union (EU) and Sweden, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has set up farmer field schools to support Nino and her community in acquiring knowledge on pest management, climate-smart agricultural methods and food safety. 

Global environmental crises, including climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, are threatening livelihoods and agrifood systems. With resources limited and the need for action more urgent than ever, a fundamental and sustainable transformation of our agrifood systems is required to build a resilient and sustainable future. To address this challenge head-on, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) brought together government officials and experts for a pivotal Regional Planning Meeting on Climate and Environmental Finance.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Montenegro, recently held a two-day capacity-building training to support the country’s preparation for the implementation of the LEADER approach, a key component of the European Union’s rural development framework.

On 16 October 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) celebrates 80 years of commitment to ending hunger, transforming agrifood systems and promoting inclusive and sustainable rural development. In Kyrgyzstan, this milestone also serves as a tribute to decades of joint effort to achieve better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

In the heart of Tajikistan, a woman has defied the odds, shattered social norms and transformed the agricultural landscape of communities. Her story is marked by resilience, determination and a deep love of the land, and it serves as a powerful reminder that leadership and success are not tied to being a woman or a man. From humble beginnings, Gulbahor Rajabova has become a pioneer in the agricultural sector, empowering her community and inspiring future generations.

From 18 to 20 August 2025, Yerevan hosted the Progressive Control Pathway for FMD national workshop, which gathered government officials, veterinary experts, farmers’ organizations and international partners to advance the national FMD control strategy in Armenia. The workshop, organized with FAO support under the EuFMD “Move FAST – GET Prepared” strategy, marked an important milestone for Armenia as the newest EuFMD member.

A 2025 report by FAO reveals how countries across Eastern Europe and Central Asia are turning to bioeconomy strategies to transform their agrifood systems, enhance sustainability and revitalize rural economies. The publication, Promoting bioeconomy through agriculture practice in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, offers a comprehensive regional analysis, pinpointing key agricultural practices that align with bioeconomy principles. It delves into production trends and regional agricultural systems and examines how bioeconomy strategies can be integrated across diverse subregions from the Western Balkans to Central Asia.

A ten-day Farmer Field Schools session starts today in Albania, equipping smallholders with practical and state-of-the-art knowledge on greenhouse production. The training is part of a series launched on 1 July by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to support sustainable agriculture and empower smallholder farmers through the Business, Partnerships & Solutions for Sustainable Development Goals (B4SDG II) project, implemented with support from the Government of Sweden.

In celebration of International Youth Day, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Armenia joined hands with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic to highlight the power of young people to shape the future of agrifood systems. The event, held on 12 August 2025, brought young people from across the country to Aparan, in the Aragatsotn region, to inspire action, ignite ideas and foster leadership rooted in local solutions.