SEMBERIJA: UNTAPPED POTENTIAL FOR ORGANIC FOOD PRODUCTION

The Semberija region is highly suitable for the production of organic and healthy food.

PHOTO: Info Bijeljina

However, this potential remains largely underutilized. According to the Bijeljina Regional Chamber of Commerce, out of nearly 10,000 registered agricultural households in the area, only the company "Agroplan" has obtained certification for organic fruit and vegetable production.

“This certification is of great importance, particularly for agricultural producers, as it enables them to export their products to demanding international markets. Although organic production is not yet widely represented here, 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 available to provide all forms of support,” said Slavica Marković, Director of the Bijeljina Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Despite being identified as a strategic development path for Semberija, the reality is quite different. Many consider organic production unprofitable and labor-intensive, as it requires minimal use of mechanization.

Among the first to recognize the potential of organic production was the company "Agroplan," founded by the Roma Education Promotion Association "Otaharin" and the Women’s Association "Romkinja" to improve the position of the Roma community.

“We quickly entered the certification process, and Agroplan received the ‘OK-Organic Control’ certificate 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 primary activity of Agroplan is the organic production of fruits and vegetables, mainly in greenhouses and partially in open fields. Each year, in seven greenhouses covering 2,700 square meters, the company produces more than 20 tons of fruits and vegetables, including peppers, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce, and onions.

“Our vegetables are grown under strictly controlled conditions, without pesticides or herbicides. We even won the RS Chamber of Commerce award for the best domestic product – our ajvar. Successfully completed certification will allow us to distribute our products not only within Bijeljina but throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Joković for the InfoBijeljina portal.

Although organic production is significantly more expensive, an increasing number of consumers are choosing organic products, which may encourage more producers to enter the certification process.