WRITTEN BY: Matthew Burkhart (mkburkha@ncsu.edu)
In May 2024, Fourteen agricultural researchers and officials from Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina participated in the USDA Climate Smart Cochran Fellowship Program at NC State, gaining valuable insights into sustainable farming practices and fostering international collaboration.
Sonja Gvozdenac, a senior research associate in phytopharmacy and pest management at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, and Masha Buden, a PhD student focusing on sustainable agriculture at the BioSense Institute, were among the fellows from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina who took part in the program.
The fellowship offered a comprehensive look at US agricultural systems, including lectures, field trips and interactions with professionals. For Gvozdenac, the program presented an opportunity to explore “a totally different region, a totally new system and totally new protocols.”
Both researchers highlighted the collaboration between various agricultural sectors in the US.
“The best thing that I learned is how your researchers work with your extension services, with your farmers, with USDA, with governmental support,” Gvozdenac said.
This integrated approach contrasts with the more segmented system in Serbia, where Gvozdenac said there’s “a big gap between the research and extension and it transmits to farmers.”
The fellows observed the widespread implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices in the US. Buden was particularly impressed by “how different cover crops are helping farmers to deal with different weeds and problems in production.” She noted that such practices are still gaining traction in Serbia.
Gvozdenac highlighted the US focus on organic agriculture and land conservation. She was especially intrigued by the concept of easements for land conservation, describing it as “the best thing that you can do when you have a problem with climate change and reduction of cultivating areas.”
The technological aspects of US agriculture left a strong impression on the fellows. Buden’s visit to SAS Institute was a highlight, showcasing advanced technology and innovative approaches in agricultural data analysis.
Beyond the professional aspects, the program offered rich cultural experiences. Gvozdenac was charmed by Raleigh’s architecture, likening it to the manors from Southern belle film “Gone with the Wind”. Buden compared North Carolina to “the Netherlands of America” due to its abundance of parks and trees.
The program also facilitated valuable networking opportunities. Gvozdenac connected with fellow entomologists and established potential collaborations with US colleagues. Buden highlighted the ongoing connections she maintains with both US contacts and fellow participants from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Both researchers emphasized the program’s value in broadening their perspectives and providing new ideas for their work back home. Gvozdenac plans to apply the collaborative model she observed in the US to improve connections between research, extension and farmers in Serbia.
Buden sees potential for future international collaborations stemming from the connections made during the program.
“I have some names that I want to contact if we have some projects or calls open for connecting people from the USA and Serbia,” Buden said.
The diversity of the participant group also proved beneficial.
“It was interesting to see people from different businesses and backgrounds, and many of those people have really huge experience in the field of agriculture,” Buden said.
The USDA Climate Smart Cochran Fellowship Program has proven to be more than just an educational experience. It has built bridges between agricultural professionals across continents, fostering a global community dedicated to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable agriculture.