Serbia's agricultural heritage faces decline and resurgence

Traditional Serbian agricultural and gastronomic practices are facing a period of both decline and resurgence. In the Župa region, the historic 'poljane'—seasonal viticultural settlements located on the slopes of Želin, Goča, and Kopaonik—are disappearing. Once bustling hubs with hundreds of houses and cellars used for processing and storing wine, these settlements are now largely abandoned, with old structures collapsing and vineyards being reclaimed by nature.

Conversely, a renaissance is occurring within Serbian dairy production. Small-scale producers are reviving traditional methods to create high-quality artisanal cheeses and dairy products. Notable examples include kajmak, a traditional cream product from the Zlatibor and Čačak regions, and sheep cheese from the Pešter plateau near Sjenica. These small producers are increasingly providing alternatives to industrial dairy by utilizing traditional breeds and specific regional pastures to reach urban markets and restaurants.