The project of the Office of the EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUSR) focusing on the development perspectives of BiH agriculture has continued over the previous two days in Prijedor and Bihać, where forums and informative-educational events have been organised for local farmers. Similar to the previous two cities, the event venues in both Prijedor and Bihać were filled to capacity with an enthusiastic audience.
The forum was hosted by Deputy Head of the EU Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina Khaldoun Sinno, and in Prijedor he was joined by German Ambassador to BiH Christiane Hohmann.
“The aim of this forum is to talk directly with farmers, to showcase the opportunities offered by the EU accession process, as well as to hear first-hand from farmers about their experiences and challenges. Our message is that the adoption of a countrywide strategy in the field of agriculture and rural development will open up access to EU funds,” said Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina Khaldoun Sinno.
In an open dialogue with agricultural producers, local, regional and international experts explained the challenges and opportunities offered by the EU accession process, including new ways of financing their activities, as well as access to a larger market for their products.
Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to BiH Christiane Hohmann reminded those present that with its 500 million consumers the EU market was a huge opportunity for BiH farmers, but also stressed that it was intensely competitive.
“The European Union and its member states are here to help farmers become more competitive. Recently we have received a list of precisely defined needs that farmers expect to be addressed by the authorities, and this list is both long and comprehensive. It comprises needs in areas as diverse as apiculture, livestock farming and marketing, which is a very wide range within which we can act. I am glad that we can now start to work and provide extension services and technical assistance to farmers, associations and others who need them,” Ambassador Hohmann said.
Regional project expert from the Republic of Croatia Ružica Gelo stressed the importance of early preparations for EU accession in order for agricultural producers to have enough time to adjust. This process requires a lot of knowledge and information, but the key role is played by the money that producers need to invest in upgrading their farms.
“By virtue of becoming an EU member state the Republic of Croatia received 12 times more money, which is used by farmers to enhance both their production and rural environment. When a country joins the EU, its competitive struggle in the market intensifies, which is why it is necessary to prepare farmers well. One part of this responsibility lies with the farmers themselves, and they must come together and act jointly towards institutions and the market,” she said.
Before the event in Prijedor, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to BiH Khaldoun Sinno and German Ambassador visited “Arifagić Investment”, a successful company and one of the largest milk producers in the country. In Bihać, Mr Sinno visited “Meggle”, one of the largest milk and dairy producers in BiH.
The forum also included an informational and educational fair featuring display stands by such project partners as UNDP BiH, GIZ – EU ProLocal programme, USAID/Sweden FARMA II, Žepče Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers (UPIP) and Farmofit – Fodder Factory Rapić from Gradiška.
The next forums on the perspectives of agriculture in BiH will be held in Brčko and Bijeljina on 2 and 3 February, whereupon project activities will continue in other cities throughout the country.
