GATAČKI KAJMAK EXPECTED TO RECEIVE PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN BY THE END OF THE YEAR?

With the aim of preserving an indigenous product, the "Association of Gatački Kajmak Producers" was established in Gacko over two and a half years ago. They hope to receive a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) by the end of the year as they have fulfilled all prerequisites, which would bring many benefits to the deserving local homemakers.

Initially comprising nine members, the association gained recognition over time, drawing attention through participation in fairs across the country and beyond. Currently, they count 26 active members, with the number steadily increasing each month. In addition to the support from the municipality of Gacko, they apply to various funds, greatly facilitating their daily operations.

If it's kajmak from the region, it's from Gacko

Just as Nevesinje is known for its potatoes, Ljubinje for its onions and tobacco, and Trebinje for its wine, Gacko, as an unrivaled livestock region, excels in the production of kajmak from the region.

The President of the Association, Dragana Milović, told "Direkt" that they have been recognized as a promising association and are not idle, but persistently work to preserve the product typical of this region.

"Our main goal is to protect our indigenous product, which is kajmak from the region. Its availability is decreasing, but Gacko has always been recognized for it and should remain so. Initially, we thought of applying for a geographical indication, but experts suggested we aim for PDO. The specification was prepared by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)," said Milović.

According to her, they have applied for several projects to improve their position, and they have succeeded in their endeavors.

"First, we conducted an analysis through the Public Call of the Gacko municipality, which was our foundation. It showed a high level of kajmak quality, with the dry matter percentage above average. Based on this, the specification was prepared," Milović said, emphasizing that they had the unconditional support of professors from Banja Luka, adding that they have been following their work from the beginning and assisting them with projects.

Milović highlights that they successfully completed two projects funded by the EU and UNDP through the ReLOaD2 project, and without this type of support, they would not have been visible.

"We currently have a project from the US Embassy, which we started last year in August and lasts for a year, and we have a partner organization from Sarajevo," Milović said.

She emphasizes that it was a great honor and promotion for the Association to appear on the official website of the European Union.

"It was a big deal for the municipality as well. I don't think we were aware of the significance, but our project was shared on the official Twitter account of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, which was the pinnacle. Afterwards, there was great interest, and we received additional satisfaction, as it proves that what we are doing is worthwhile," Milović said.

She states that they do everything to preserve this indigenous product.

"In Italy, our member Daliborka Daca Grčić presented kajmak from the region at the Cheese Festival. Besides, we have been present in our country, in Eastern Sarajevo, Foča, Rogatica. The fact is that most of our fellow citizens sell milk; there are fewer and fewer those who process it, because with protection, we gain in value and importance," Milović said, adding that they have submitted a request to the Food Safety Agency in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is pending.

From the first day, a member of the Association has been Snežana Marković, who told "Direkt" that the establishment of the Association means a lot to the producers engaged in kajmak and cheese production.

"Since the Association was established, we have been more present in the market, and people have heard of us. Wherever we go, we are noticed, and we have excellent results, so we have had success at all competitions," Marković said, adding that the favorite delicacy of many gourmets has long since transcended local and republican borders.

Marković, who is also the mother of four children, says that everything can be managed with good organization, and making kajmak and cheese is a job done with pleasure.

"We are just waiting for the protected designation, and I think that will be an additional step forward. We have already done a lot because we know that kajmak from the region is a trademark of Gacko," Marković said.