NEWS: ECOBREEDS Serbian Pilot Action connects local breeds, traditional wool and the Pirot carpet

On 5 September 2026, the Business Development Center Kragujevac (BDCKG) organised the workshop “From Pastures to Salons – Pirot Carpet, a Unique Value Chain of Our Cultural Heritage Jewels” in Pirot, Serbia, as part of the ECOBREEDS project. The workshop was held in the authentic setting of the Museum of Ponišavlje Pirot, within the 5th Pirot Carpet Festival.

During the workshop, BDCKG presented the results of the ECOBREEDS Serbian Pilot Action “Products of Local Breeds – Sustainable Value Chains” and opened a dialogue on the main challenges and opportunities within the value chain. The event brought together weavers, representatives of institutions in the fields of agriculture and culture, local authorities and experts to discuss possible solutions for strengthening the sustainability of local livestock farming and traditional wool-based production. The panel discussion included Mila Panajotović, curator of the Museum of Ponišavlje, Slavica Ćirić, founder of the Damsko srce Pirot cooperative, and Dragana Tar, an expert in rural development and geographical indications of products.

A particular focus was placed on the strong connection between the Pirot carpet and the indigenous Pirot Pramenka sheep. The traditional carpet represents much more than a unique weaving craft and an important element of the cultural identity of the Pirot region. Its value chain also contributes to preserving local wool, the genetic resources of the Pirot Pramenka, and the biodiversity and pastoral ecosystems of Stara Planina.

The workshop resulted in a number of proposals addressing critical points along the value chain. In the coming period, the Business Development Center Kragujevac will systematise these proposals into recommendations for decision-makers.

By strengthening all links in the chain – from pastures, indigenous sheep and pastoral livestock farming to wool processing, traditional weaving and the promotion of the Pirot carpet – the ECOBREEDS project supports a more sustainable future for local breeds, traditional knowledge, cultural heritage and rural communities.