The Semberija region is highly suitable for the production of organic, healthy food, but this potential remains underutilized.
According to data from the Bijeljina Regional Chamber of Commerce, out of nearly 10,000 registered agricultural households in Semberija, only one company, “Agroplan,” currently holds a certificate for organic fruit and vegetable production.
“This certificate is of immense importance, especially for agricultural producers, as it allows them to export their products to demanding international markets. While organic production is not yet sufficiently represented in our region, the City of Bijeljina and the Ministry of Agriculture of Republika Srpska support and promote the production of healthy, organic food through their incentive programs. The Chamber of Commerce is also here to provide every kind of support,” said Slavica Marković, Director of the Bijeljina Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Although organic production has been identified as a strategic development direction for Semberija, the reality on the ground is quite different. For many, organic production is not profitable and requires significantly more effort due to the lack of mechanization.
One of the first to recognize the potential of this type of production was “Agroplan,” a company established by the Association for the Promotion of Roma Education “Otaharin” and the Women’s Association “Romkinja” to improve the position of this national minority.
“We quickly entered the certification process, and ‘Agroplan’ received the ‘OK-Organic Control’ certification from an authorized agency for organic production certification, followed by recognition from the Ministry of Agriculture of Republika Srpska,” explained Dragan Joković, Executive Director of the Citizens’ Association “Otaharin.”
The company primarily focuses on the organic production of fruits and vegetables in greenhouses and, to a smaller extent, in open fields.
Annually, they produce more than 20 tons of vegetables and fruits in seven greenhouses covering 2,700 square meters. Their produce includes peppers, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce, and onions.
“Our vegetables are grown under strictly controlled conditions without pesticides or herbicides. We also received the RS Chamber of Commerce award for the best local product – ajvar. Successful certification enables us to market our products not only in Bijeljina but across Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Joković told InfoBijeljina.
Although organic production is significantly more expensive, an increasing number of consumers prefer it when making purchases, which may motivate more producers to begin certifying their products.
Source: See Srpska
