Adopt agricultural strategy as soon as possible

The project on the development perspectives of agriculture in BiH, implemented by the Office of the EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUSR), continued with a forum held in Banja Luka, gathering a significant number of farmers and representatives of associations.

This open dialogue on the current state-of-play in agriculture in the country, as well as challenges and opportunities on the EU path, was hosted by the Head of the EU Delegation to BiH and EU Special Representative, Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, joined by Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to BiH Ivan Del Vecchio.

Our main message is to learn about your needs and concerns, but also some good examples. Farmers in the European Union make up a very important community for they are well organised,” said Ambassador Wigemark, highlighting the importance of farmers taking a united stand and speaking with one voice.

Ambassador Del Vecchio spoke about the experiences of the Republic of Croatia and advised on possibilities to reduce production costs, increase the quantity and apply EU standards. “This is an important moment, now that BiH had defined its relations with the EU. Adoption of a sectoral strategy will meet preconditions for the EU to operationally help farmers raise competitiveness,” said Ambassador Del Vecchio.

In order to adequately prepare for the EU accession process, all participants in the process should be trained, from public administration to the producers themselves. Professor with the Faculty of Agriculture in Sarajevo Sabahudin Bajramovic believes that the application of the adapted SAA will lead to major market changes.

Speaking about the situation in Serbia, Jovica Jaksic of the Independent Association of Serbian Farmers stressed the importance of agricultural cooperatives, so as to strengthen their economic status.

If we buy raw materials together, we get a discount on large quantities. We stand together in the market and thus are more appealing to larger clients. In effect, we become more profitable,” said Jaksic.

Farmers also used the opportunity to ask national, regional and international experts about the EU integration process, European standards that they must apply in their production, and how to improve their farms.

An information and education fair was organised following the forum, with exhibitors including UNDP BiH, EU ProLocal, USAID/SIDA FARMA II project, Care International Balkans, Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers Zepce (UPIP) and Farmofit – Feed Mill Rapic from Gradiska.

Banja Luka hosted the seventh Forum on development perspectives of agriculture in BiH, with Gradacac and Doboj next in line, on 16 and 17 February. Project closing event is scheduled on 23 February in Trebinje.

List of events and detailed information about the project is available at: http://archive.europa.ba/?page_id=47088

Europa.ba