The Gvozno Agricultural Cooperative from Kalinovik was the first in Republika Srpska, and one of only two in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to enter the organic production system in 2019. As pioneers in the sector, the cooperative has become recognized for cattle breeding and the development of livestock production in mountainous areas.
Gvozno became the first certified farm of its kind in Republika Srpska and today, together with the relevant ministry, hosted the Organic Production Day event.
At the Gvozno agricultural estate near Kalinovik, located at an altitude of 1,330 meters, livestock is raised and food produced naturally. No chemicals are used in the production process, while the pristine mountain environment provides natural conditions for organic farming.
Siniša Crnjak, an employee of the Gvozno Agricultural Cooperative, said that even the work itself does not feel burdensome.
“There isn’t too much work. We are preparing silage for the winter, while the cows do everything else themselves. This isn’t exhausting – it’s relaxing,” Crnjak said.
Among those involved with the cooperative is retired farmer Momčilo Veletić from the village of Vlaholje. He raises cattle and sheep that graze naturally without supplementary feed, which he says results in high-quality meat and dairy products.
Veletić said this type of production could itself be considered beneficial to health, as the livestock graze on medicinal mountain herbs, drink fresh mountain water and are raised without chemicals.
Despite the demanding mountainous conditions, persistent and hardworking farmers, combined with professional and financial support, have succeeded in developing high-quality and sought-after certified products.
Organic production is becoming increasingly widespread across Republika Srpska. Six years ago, there were only around 20 organic producers, while today their number has risen to 150.
Quality products always find buyers, while incentives provided by the relevant ministry also contribute to the sector’s development.
Additional support is provided by the Municipality of Kalinovik.
Around 20 agricultural producers currently operate through the Kalinovik House, and the municipality subsidizes every product sold there with 20 percent of its price.
Source: RTRS
