PAGE IN PREPARATION FOR PROMOTING LOCAL ORGANIC PRODUCERS

Organic production in the Republic of Srpska is gaining more importance each year, with a growing number of organic producers whose promotion and education are actively supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management. The ministry is also working on legislation to regulate this field.

Organic producers are provided with several measures by the ministry, such as incentives of 500 KM per unit of cultivated land or per livestock unit, and the possibility of reclaiming 50% of investments in capital projects. These measures are particularly beneficial for those looking to enhance their production.

An association of organic producers in Srpska is currently being established, with over 100 registered members, aiming for unified action to create better production conditions and easier product placement.

The significance of growing and consuming organic products is also highlighted by the fact that under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Srpska, a website is being developed, www.organskors.com, which will showcase organic producers, their products, and experiences, making it easier for potential buyers to find the information they need.

This project marks the beginning of a significant campaign that will help producers become more visible and provide consumers with information about why organic is better.

The initiative for the website comes from organic producer Milovan Matić and his wife Sonja, who founded the family business “Beri Tejl.” They specialize in organic blackberry production and processing it into blackberry wine, juice, liqueur, and brandy.

This hardworking couple’s estate is located at the foot of Kozara in Gornji Podgradci, where they cultivate one hectare of "Loch Ness" blackberries, for which they have been certified since 2020.

“We sell fresh blackberries in major retail chains and markets during the season, while other products are sold in stores that offer organic and bio-products. We also sell significant quantities directly through social media,” Sonja Matić told Srna.

She added that after the successful launch of their first product, the blackberry wine "Trn," and the excellent feedback they received, they knew they were on the right track. They are slowly expanding their product range, always keeping in mind that hard work, dedication, and, most importantly, quality will eventually be recognized.

“We started our production six years ago on our ancestral land. We have always loved nature and the countryside and knew we wanted to use this opportunity to start something of our own. That year, we participated in the significant project 'Start-up Srpska,' organized by the Government of the Republic of Srpska, and received funding for purchasing production and processing equipment, which was a major boost for us. We hope this project will be revived, because without state and institutional support, it’s hard for young people to start a serious venture,” said Milovan Matić.

The Matić couple encourages anyone considering starting organic production to take the leap and not give up, as no matter how difficult it may be, they are not alone.