The Donau Soja Regional centre in Novi Sad is taking bold steps to tackle the key challenges facing soybean production in the Balkans — from climate change and yield variability to declining cultivation areas. The goal is to stabilize and strengthen the production through engagement of key industry stakeholders with coordinated regional approach. 

For this reason, a working group was established by Donau Soja. The Working Group brings together farmers, researchers, agronomists, industry experts and financial institutions to set the stage for a Regional Action Plan 2026-2028. The plan outlines concrete objectives, measures and activities, with a baseline from insights gained in a recent farmer survey. The survey was supported by science-based knowledge and experience and provides the baseline for coordinated regional action, now being refined through bilateral consultations. 

In parallel, the work continues to engage market actors, processors and institutional support, focusing on access to climate finance, closing funding gaps and aligning with national initiatives. A joint agronomy-industry-institution meeting is planned for May to drive progress.