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 Podgorica, Montenegro, 16 October 2026What does the future of food look like? In Montenegro, the answer could be found in an unexpected combination of traditional cheeses from mountain farms, locally produced honey and fruit products, scientific discoveries under a microscope and dishes prepared by young culinary students.At the University of Donja Gorica, World Food Day 2026 became a meeting of generations, experiences and ideas, united by the belief that the future of food depends as much on the people who produce it as on the innovations that help them thrive.Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Montenegro in cooperation with the University of Donja Gorica, the event brought this year's global theme, “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.”, to life through interactive experiences connecting agriculture, science, education and responsible food choices. The people behind the foodAt the heart of the celebration were Montenegro's local producers, whose stands offered more than agricultural products. They provided an opportunity to discover the people, knowledge and dedication behind family farming.This human dimension was particularly visible in the photography exhibition “Women Who Feed Montenegro”, celebrating women whose daily work sustains family farms, preserves traditional food production and supports rural communities.From mountain pastures and traditional cheese-making to beekeeping and fruit processing, their stories reflected the richness of Montenegro's agricultural heritage and the determination required to keep it alive. They also carried an important message about the need for greater recognition and opportunities for rural women.“Behind the food we enjoy every day are people whose work often goes unseen. We wanted this celebration to recognize their contribution, particularly that of rural women, while showing how knowledge, innovation and partnerships can create new opportunities for the communities that feed us,” said Jovana Šuković, FAO National Programme Coordinator in Montenegro. Where tradition meets innovationJust a few steps away, the Food Science and Innovation Corner offered visitors a glimpse into the science behind food quality and safety through interactive demonstrations and microscope observations.The connection was clear. Traditional knowledge and modern science can complement each other, helping improve production, safeguard food quality and create new opportunities for farmers.For the University of Donja Gorica, hosting the celebration was also an opportunity to bring scientific knowledge closer to everyday life.“Food science has its greatest value when it reaches beyond the laboratory and contributes to people's lives. Bringing students, researchers and food producers together helps us connect education with real challenges and encourages young people to see themselves as part of the solutions,” said Professor Aleksandra Martinović, Dean of the Faculty of Food Technology, Food Safety and Ecology at the University of Donja Gorica.At the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Information Corner, visitors explored what European Union agricultural policies mean for Montenegro's farmers and how the country is preparing its agricultural sector for European integration. The activity reflected FAO's ongoing cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management in strengthening institutional capacities and supporting farmers through this transition. Young minds, fresh ideasChildren and young people brought their own energy and creativity to the celebration.In the Children's Corner, educational games and hands-on activities encouraged younger visitors to explore where food comes from and why reducing food waste matters.Students from the “Sergije Stanić” Secondary Vocational School added another dimension, presenting dishes they had prepared using familiar ingredients, culinary skills and imagination.Their contribution showed that innovation does not always require sophisticated technology. Sometimes it begins with a different way of thinking about ingredients, resources and the value of food.For the young participants, the event offered an opportunity to see how their knowledge and creativity could contribute to more sustainable agrifood systems. A shared responsibility for the futureThe celebration reflected the importance of partnerships in addressing interconnected food and environmental challenges.FAO's longstanding cooperation with Montenegro's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, its growing engagement with environmental institutions and its collaboration with academia demonstrate the importance of bringing different sectors together.Representing the Ministry, Mirsad Spahić, Head of the Department for Economic Analysis and Markets, emphasized the importance of supporting domestic producers, introducing new knowledge and technologies and creating opportunities for young people in agriculture.Yet perhaps the most meaningful moments of the day were the simplest. Conversations between farmers and students, children discovering food through science and women seeing their work and stories recognized.From mountain farms to university laboratories, from traditional recipes to new culinary ideas, World Food Day in Montenegro demonstrated how innovation and heritage can reinforce one another.Better agrifood systems are built through cooperation, shared knowledge and respect for the people who feed us.And sometimes, the first step towards a better food future is simply bringing those people together.