Implementation of medicinal and aromatic school project for 20 women from Doboj, Olovo, Ahmići and Jablanica will commence in mid-May. USAID/Sida FARMA will finance the project, to be implemented by the NGO Women-for-Women International from Sarajevo. The contract between USAID/Sida FARMA and Women-for-Women International was signed yesterday.
The “Prirodno bilje” company from Banja Luka presented their business results to fifty guests and dignitaries: Mr. Zoran Kovačević, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Waters of Republika Srpska (RS) and H.E. Bosse Hedberg, Ambassador of Kingdom of Sweden to BiH. The speakers emphasized the fact that, when considering high unemployment and enormous underdeveloped land, cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants can contribute significantly to local economic development. In 2011, “Prirodno bilje”got the concession to use 35 hectares of land in Prijedor municipality from the RS Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Waters. Company developed chamomile plantation with assistance of the USAID/Sida FARMA project (which donated drying facilities and land cultivation machinery). Twenty families are additionally engaged in chamomile production.
BiH Ministry of foreign trade and economic relations, USAID/Sida FARMA project, UNDP Value Chains for Employment project and Swiss Caritas, organized a workshop on ‘UNECE / EU standards for fresh fruit and vegetables’ on 16 May in Sarajevo. The workshop was particularly relevant as Croatia has started to implement and enforce these standards on the border with BiH. Presentations were conducted by representatives of the Ministry of agriculture from the Republic of Croatia and a representative of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
USAID-Sida FARMA project will hold the presentation of results of support provided to the Prirodno Bilje company, in collaboration with the Republika Srpska Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Waters and the Republika Srpska Chamber of Commerce. The presentation will be held on 15th May 2012 (Tuesday) at 10.15 a.m. in Bistrica and Verići (Prijedor municipality). His Excellency, Bosse Hedberg, Ambassador of Kingdom of Sweden to BiH and senior representatives of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Waters will address the attendees. Upon completion of the ceremonial segment of the event, demonstration of harvesting and drying of camomille will be held at site.
The USAID/Sida FARMA project organized a 3rd Cheese Making School in Slovenia for 15 dairy producers from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) from 19-21 March. School attendees were trained in production of: soft cheese, cheese spread, spiced and semi-hard cheeses which are still largely imported into BiH. Part of the training was devoted to techniques of production of plain and fruit yoghurts.
Total of 30 producers attended the two previous FARMA Cheese Making Schools; 16 new cheese varieties had been produced and sold in country while additional cheese varieties are being in testing phase. In 2010, BiH imported cheese in value of BAM 48 million.
Training host was Kmetijski zavod Ptuj.
USAID/Sida FARMA project and the municipalities Prozor-Rama and Tomislavgrad are organizing education sessions for dairy producers and animal breeders from the two municipalities. Lectures will be held on:
- Monday, 26.03.2012. in Prozor-Rama (meeting room in hydro-plant Rama), at 11:00 hrs.
- Tuesday, 27.03.2012., in Tomislavgrad (Cantonal Assembly Hall), at 9:00 hrs.
Following topics will be covered:
- Animal diseases; animal reproduction
- Dairy production economics
- Milk hygiene
- Farm record keeping in accordance with the EU requirements
- Sheep breeding
Purpose of the lecture is to explain the ways how to reduce costs and increase incomes from dairy production.
USAID-Sida FARMA project and the Una-Sana Canton Agricultural Institute organized training for berry producers from 13-16 March. Training sessions were held in each of the eight municipalities of Una-Sana Canton, with total of 260 fruit producers present. Training encompassed practical exercises in spring trimming and pruning.
It is estimated that the producers from Una-Sana Canton will produce 600 tons of raspberry and about 100 tons of strawberry. An estimated 200 tons of fresh raspberries (Polka variety), which sells at higher prices than processed products, is expected to be exported to EU markets. Focus of the training was on increasing fruit yields, while the attendees expressed their satisfaction with an opportunity to participate in practical exercises.
Long-term endeavor of the small family company Faveda from Sarajevo culminated with tremedouous succeess- export of their natural cosmetics products to a very demanding Turkish market. According to Ms. Indira Ar from the Gold Star International company (Turkish customer), an interest for Faveda’s products exists and the new orders will prove that market interest. Beyond this significant result, Faveda succeeded, with support of USAID-Sida FARMA project, to develop and sell two new products based on medicinal and aromatic plants in local markets- natural juices and high-quality herbal teas.
Faveda’s promotional event, organized in collaboration with the Sarajevo Canton Chamber of Commerce and USAID-Sida FARMA project, was attended by the VIP guests- wife of the Ambassador of Kingdom of Sweden in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mrs. Christina Hedberg and wife of the US Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mrs. Danuta Moon.
The USAID/Sida FARMA project held a training on raspberry farming and distributed educational materials to famers in Srebrenica yesterday. Twenty-one farmer received very valuable donation of raspberry seedlings from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). In total, 31,500 seedlings were donated. This is sufficient to plant 2.1 hectares with raspberries. Among the farmers who received this donation were many returnees and women.
Region of Eastern Bosnia produces large quantities of fruits. Meeker variety seedlings, a new and more disease-resistant variety, were procured from Heko doo Bugojno nurseries. The first quantities are expected next year.
Sarajevo Canton Chamber of Commerce, Faveda d.o.o. Sarajevo and the USAID/Sida FARMA project are organizing a media presentation on successful production and export of final products, based on medicinal and aromatic plants, to Turkey. Media presentation will be held:
Tuesday, 13th March 2012, at 10:45 – 12:00 hours,
Privredna komora Kantona Sarajevo, Ul. La Benevolencija 8 (5th floor).
Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is very characteristic due to the fact that a large number of women are employed in this sector. Over 90 % of an estimated 100,000 medicinal and aromatic plants collectors are women. The sectoral exports in 2011 were BAM 22 million, primarily in raw material and semi-finished products.
Faveda’s success is therefore more significant, as this company succeeded to export final products, creams and lotions, to a demanding Turkish market. USAID/Sida FARMA supported Faveda’s efforts by assisting in development of the export-oriented marketing plan and by provision of grant funds for new product development.
Faveda is a great example of the small local firm competing with other European producers of natural cosmetics. The guests of the presentation will be Ms. Danuta Moon, spouse of U.S. Ambassador to BiH, and Ms. Christina Hedberg, spouse of Ambassador of Kingdom of Sweden to BiH, who will also address the attendees.
USAID / Sida FARMA project, in collaboration with the BiH Foreign Trade Chamber and SIPPO program, provided support to eight companies from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to participate in the 23rd Organic Food Fair, Biofach, held in Nuremberg (Germany) from 15 – 18 February 2012.
The following domestic companies presented their products: Anđelić Trebinje, Elmar Aroma Care Bileća, Roing Ljubuški, Hecco Bugojno, Elmar Trebinje, Bionatura Breza, Halilović Ilijaš, Smrčak Zvornik, while the following companies attended the fair as observers: Arome Mostar and Ekomozaik Šekovići.
Biofach is the largest organic food fair in Europe. This year, 40.000 visitors from 130 countries visited the fair, while 2.420 presented their products.
PMG-VIP, Unaplod, Maočanka, Agroimpex, ZZ Gračanka and Agrofruit, local agricultural producers, attended fresh fruits and vegetable fair Fruit Logistica, held in Berlin in period of 8-10 February. The fair was attended by a number of companies and cooperatives operating in fruits and vegetable sector. A number of contacts with potential customers from EU and other countries were established by domestic producers. The participation of domestic producers was supported by SIPPO (Swiss Import Promotion Programme) while USAID-Sida FARMA project provided technical support and assistance in preparation of the producers’presentation at the fair. Fruti Logistica is the largest European fair for fresh fruits and vegetable. This year, the fair was attended by over 60,000 visitors, while 2,400 companies from all over the world presented their products.
FARMA project, Agriculture Institute of Una Sana Canton in Bihać and the Cooperative Association of FBiH, are continuing cooperation in training of cooperative managers. The training- “Financial analysis of cooperative business management”- was held on 31 January and 01 February 2012 in Bihać. Esma Mustajbašić, Agricultural Finance Manager of FARMA trained cooperative managers in financial analysis. Course participants received certificates following completion of a 2-day training.
Erin Kotheimer, Deputy Counselor/Embassy Econ Section visited two MAP companies in Banja Luka region – Prirodno Bilje and Plantago from Slatina. Prirodno bilje is cultivating and producing MAPs mostly for pharmaceutical industry and their future development plans are going mostly toward increasing cultivatation of MAPs, while Plantago, one of the biggest tea producers in BiH is working on development of their products and customer relationships. Ms. Kotheimer had opportunity to visit production premises of both companies and discuss challenges in their business and plans for future development. Both companies underlined importance of FARMA project and their gratitude for all efforts done so far.
The BiH Foreign Trade Chamber and USAID/Sida FARMA project organized a round table discussion on a topic ” Export of honey from BiH- authorities of relevant institutions and the required documentation.” Representatives from BiH Indirect Tax Authority, BiH Veterinary Office and the BiH Food Safety Agency presented new developments in this domain. Round table discussion was attended by representatives of beekeeping organizations and institutions relevant for sectoral development.
Annual conference of medicinal and aromatic plants, mushrooms and forest products producers and processors was held in organization of the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Group of the BiH Foreign Trade Chamber, USAID/Sida FARMA project and SIPPO. A large number of representatives from reputable local companies had an opportunity to exchange their opinions and experiences and to be informed on the upcoming activities. Group’s plan was accepted, and the representatives of donor organizations stressed their commitment to support planned activities.
Organska Kontrola (OK) has recently become recognized in the EU as a certification body with standards and control systems equivalent to EU regulation for organic production. An event to celebrate this ocassion was organized in the Foreign Trade Chamber in Sarajevo on the 13 December. Only 30 out of 73 applications from certification bodies across the world have been approved, and OK is the only certification body from the Balkans which has obtained this approval. USAID/Sida FARMA project supported OK since 2009 to maintain and expand the scopes of accreditation and achieve EU recognition.
In cooperation with Bosper in Tuzla, USAID/Sida FARMA organized training on environmental permits and ISO 14001 certification system. Participants included agricultural producers and processors from north-east Bosnia and Herzegovina.
U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Patrick Moon, visited a dairy farm of Šubić family in Malo Blaško (Laktaši municipality) with associates from USAID and the FARMA project. Šubić family is in dairy business for over three decades, and today own a heard of 35 dairy cows. The farm produces milk of extra quality.
H.E. Moon had an opportunity to talk with representative of Mlijekoprodukt from Kozarska Dubica, the largest dairy farm in BiH, and discuss the challenges facing BiH dairy farmers and dairy industry with Croatia becoming an EU member-state.
Representatives of local medicinal and aromatic plants, fruits and vegetable and honey processors had a great business opportunity today- BiH Foreign Trade Chamber and the USAID/Sida FARMA project organiyed a meeting with the Sales Manager of the Sarajevo Airport Duty Free Shop , Ms. Kerima Karahasanović. Ms. Karahasanović and FARMA marketing expert presented opportunities for sale of local, appropriately packaged products, in newly opened Sarajevo Airport Gift Shop and Duty Free. Companies can now directly contact Ms. Karahasanović and present their product offerings.
The USAID/Sida FARMA project and Chamber of Commerce of Banja Luka region organized yesterday in Banja Luka a training on “Ecologic permits and ISO 14001.” As we support the ecologically sustainable agricultural development in BiH, the compliance with principles of environmental protection is an integral part of the implementation of the project’s activities.
FARMA and Chamber of Commerce assist the agricultural producers and processors to operate in compliance with local regulation, EU requirements and to generally improve their practices in environmental protection. Purpose of this training was to inform the processors on procedures to obtain environmental permits and to inform them on the environmental control systems in compliance with ISO 14001. The training was held by Mr. Selim Čemerlić P.E., a consultant with years of experience in standardization and environmental protection.
The ceremonial opening of the first medicinal plants hydro diffusion distillery was held today in Roing Company at Muminovača (Čapljina municipality).
In March 2011, Roing started implementation of the project “Introduction of new technologies in distillation of medicinal and aromatic herbs- hydro diffusion distillation” with support of the USAID/Sida FARMA project. The benefits of the new technology are: shorter distilling time, decreased usage of energy, improved utilization rate, increased production of higher quality essential oils and additional energy savings attained by use of warm water from distilling process.
The project will employ 2 new full-time workers, about 30 seasonal workers and additional 80 collectors and farmer-cultivators. The total value of the project is BAM 127,000.
USAID / Sida FARMA recognized the potential of this innovative project in increasing productivity and competitiveness of Roing as well as their cooperants, as well as the project’s indirect impact on improving competitiveness of the entire industry.
Ceremony was attended by Mr. David Lieberman, Head of Economic Recovery Office of USAID BiH, along with other guests/ representatives of medicinal and aromatic plants processing companies from BiH.
During the practical training on Postharvest Management, training participants visited locations around the country on 27-28 October. Eighty-nine participants from 10 countries (Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, Moldavia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Macedonia, Serbia and BiH) visited “Heko” and “Unaplod” companies and agricultural cooperative “VIP Krajina” to see the postharvest management activities in practice. The University of California-Davis lecturers (professors Elizabeth Mitcham, Mary Lu Arpaia, Marita Cantwell and Michael Reid) used this opportunity to comment on some significant factors relating to preparation of fruits and vegetable for sale in market and propose improvements.
Round table discussion on “Application of rulebook on non-wood forest products in FBiH and RS” was held in Sarajevo yesterday, in organization of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Group of the BiH Foreign Trade Chamber and USAID/Sida FARMA project. This was an opportunity for governmental representatives to meet representatives from this Group and discuss the regulation pertaining to medicinal and aromatic plants sector. The conclusion of the round table was that the government and the Group should work closely in the future to attempt to develop regulation.
Around the developing world, an average of 40 percent or more of agricultural product that is harvested is lost before it can be consumed. Reducing this postharvest loss is usually the most effective way to increase the incomes of producers and other businesses in the supply chain.
In support of the objective of reducing postharvest loss, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Regional Competitiveness Initiative and USAID projects in ten countries cooperated to hold a regional Postharvest Management Training in Sarajevo for 89 agricultural professionals from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, Georgia, Moldavia, Macedonia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Serbia. In addition to the USAID support, Sida, the Swedish Development Agency, and CzDA, the Czech Development Agency, provided funding support.
The course was taught by professors from the University of California at Davis -UC Davis Post Harvest Institute- that is widely recognized as having among the world’s best experts in this subject. They provided instruction, text books, and computerized training materials for the students to use in the future.
This event represents a remarkable partnership among many donors and many countries. It will not only provide training for professionals but it will promote regional collaboration and open the possibility of working together in other useful ways. This university graduate school level training has allowed the participants to receive training that would have been prohibitively expensive had they been required to travel to the California university campus to receive it.
The participants received instruction on how to properly manage fruits and vegetables following harvest including temperature management, handling, packaging, transport, the use of modified atmospheres, symptoms and treatments for diseases, and numerous topics. They were given practical exercises in grading and product selection and had the opportunity to visit commercial packing operations. The graduates are expected to return to their respective countries and train others in the technologies and practices they learned during this valuable course.
Around the developing world, an average of 40 percent of agricultural product that is harvested is lost before it can be consumed. Reducing this post harvest loss is usually the most effective way to increase the incomes of producers and other businesses in the supply chain.
The University of California at Davis (UC Davis) annually hosts a summer course in post harvest management in California that is widely recognized as the best in the world.
In support of the objective of reducing post harvest loss, the USAID Regional Competitiveness Initiative and the USAID/Sida FARMA project are organizing a regional Post Harvest Training Course. The RCI Project has arranged to bring a short version of this course to the region. The professors will be faculty and staff from the UC Davis Post Harvest Institute.
Bosnia and Herzegovina was selected as the place to hold the course with the USAID/Sida FARMA project handling all of the local logistics. The FARMA project is funded by USAID and Sida and is collaborating with the Czech Development Agency to support this important training course. The course will include university, graduate level training in Sarajevo plus two days of site visits going as far away as Banja Luka. The training will be from October 24 through October 28, 2011.
This major training event will include more than a 100 participants from ten countries (BiH, Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, Georgia, Moldavia, Macedonia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Serbia). USAID projects in each of these countries are sponsoring participants from their countries. These participants will receive this important training at a fraction of the cost of sending them to California.
This event is a remarkable partnership among so many donors and so many countries. It will not only provide welcome training for professionals but it will promote regional collaboration and open the possibility of working together in other useful ways. This training course will be followed up with a meeting in December at which these same organizations will explore the possibility of other training events and regional cooperation in important areas such as market information and laboratory services.
Independent certification agency DQS presented a HACCP certificate today to “Anđelić” Trebinje and “Medicom” Grude companies and to agricultural cooperatives “Apimed” Sanski Most, and “Insieme” Bratunac. This is a result of a two-month training program „HACCP system and its implementation,”organized by the USAID/Sida FARMA project with the purpose of assisting BiH producers and processors in compliance with the applicable regulation. HACCP certification is an important precondition in accessing EU markets. The training program emphasized the training of HACCP team leaders to enable independent introduction and proper application of the HACCP requirements in system implementation.
Training on financial analysis of cooperative business for cooperative auditors and board members was held in the period of 12-14 October 2011 in „Bijele vode“ hotel near Goražde. Training was organized by USAID/Sida FARMA project in cooperation with Cooperative Associations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska and Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The goal was to provide additional education in the area of business analyses of coops and cooperative unions and enable auditors and board members to make better decisions in relation to audits. Upon completion of training, attendees visited the agricultural fair ” Apple Day” in Goražde.
USAID/Sida FARMA project provided support to six companies from BiH to present their products at the international food fair Anuga 2011 held in the period of 8-12 October in Cologne (Germany). Companies presented a wide variety of products: pickled vegetable, juices, jams, spices, dried and frozen fruits, as well as the fresh and processed mushrooms. A great deal of these products is already being exported and the goal of the fair presentation was to secure new contracts and expand the range of exported products to include new products produced by these companies. The participation in the fair ws also supported by the BiH Foreign Trade Chamber/BiH Export Promotion Agency.
Products made by the cheese processors in BiH have a great market potential. However, producers lack the necessary skills to improve their position in domestic market. To improve these skills, USAID/Sida FARMA organized a training on two topics: (1) How to conduct a proper market research; and (2) How to promote products. Representatives of 6 cheese processors were present on this training. Training will continue in order to enable producers to communicate with the public to present new products and to promote new and improved technologies they adopted during the last year (e.g. use of liquid smoke in production of smoked cheese).
Certificates were awarded today to women attendees of the Medicinal Plants Cultivation and Collection School- a year-long program designed by USAID/Sida FARMA and implemented by an NGO Women for Women International. One hundred women farmers passed the school program with success. Certificates were awarded today to 20 women from Vareš i Olovo. The ceremony was attended by senior officials of USAID and Sida- USAID BiH Mission Director Mr. Allan Reed and Sida Director Mr. Pelle Persson. Mayor of Vareš, Mr. Hamdo Fatić expressed his support to the project.
USAID/Sida FARMA project, CBI and the BiH Foreign Trade Chamber organized a presentation today on the EU regulation on sales of traditional medicinal plant products. Mr. Bram Wejiland from Netherlands presented procedures, conditions and requirements which BiH producers of medicinal plant products, spices and teas must fulfill to reach EU customers.
USAID/Sida FARMA and NGO Women for Women International organized a meeting between producers and processors of medicinal plants on Wednesday, 28th September 2011. Meeting was attended by 20 women, participants in the one-year school on cultivation of medicinal plants. These women had an opportunity to present what they have learned in the school and present their products. Attending processors: Neven from Rudo, Smrčak from Zvornik, Faveda from Sarajevo and Ljekobilje from Trebinje made arrangements with the participants on future collaboration and procurement. All medicinal plants produced by the medicinal plants cultivation school will be purchased by these processors.
USAID/Sida FARMA strives to ensure environmentally sustainable agricultural development. As such, environmental compliance is an important part of FARMA’s requirements for implementation of activities financed through grant funds. In addition, FARMA strives to assist agricultural producers and processors comply with local environmental laws, meet EU requirements and improve environmental performance. Therefore, FARMA cooperated with the Agriculture Instititute in Una Sana Canton to organize training for agricultural processors on the procedures for obtaining environmental permits as well as environmental management systems under the ISO 14001. The training was held in Bihac on Thursday 22 September.
Agricultural Faculty Sarajevo and Czech Development Agency signed a contract on continuing introduction of the new berry varieties in BiH. This project will enable access to new varieties of berries to local producers, thus enhancing their chances to attain better market results in both national and international markets.
The project represents a continuation of the activities initiated and supported by the USAID/Sida FARMA project during the last year by which 20 new berry varieties were introduced at the Faculty demo plot and plots of some selected producers. The contract enables continuation of this activity in the next year, and 15 new varieties are expected to be introduced locally.
Current results indicate that varieties such as ‘Octavia’, ‘Nova’, ‘Joan’, ‘Killarney’ and ‘Allgold’ (yellow fruit color) have significant market potential. These varieties, which are harvested annually or even twice a year, are in demand, which enables local producers to attain higher sales. New production technologies, such as high tunnel production, will be introduced also, with the purpose of enhancing competitiveness of local producers in regional and EU markets.
Additionally, highbush blueberry is another berry which has significant market potential in BiH.
GlobalGAP is a private sector standards that is usually required for producers wishing to export fresh fruits and vegetables to the EU. A new GlobalGAP version 4 has been developed and is obligatory from 1 January 2012. It is crucial that consultants in BiH are kept up-to-date with the new trends in GlobalGAP and are able to provide adequate advice to farmers. Therefore, FARMA cooperated with the UNDP VCE project to train 6 people in GlobalGAP at the GlobalGAP workshop and conference, which was held between 13-15 September in Warsaw, Poland.
Farma Day, a celebration of the collaboration between the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) along with the recent addition of the Czech Development Agency (CzDA) to create economic growth in the agricultural sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) was held on the 14 September. The event was held at the U.S. Embassy with 14 local agricultural producers selling their products. Embassy officials, staff and Embassy guests had the opportunity to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products as well as medicinal and aromatic products. All products were available for sampling- lots of delicious sampling and proceeds from sales went directly to the producers.
In the past two weeks FARMA project managed four trainings of trainers on the topic “Farm record keeping according to EU directives – Slovenia experience“ . Trainer was Mrs. Eva Tkalčić of Agricultural Institute Maribor who presented all records that EU farmers have to keep.
Forty eight (48) agronomists who attended these trainings represented municipal extension services, veterinarian and agriculture institutes, agencies and ministries of agriculture, local agencies included in agriculture development. They could in the near future, as trained trainers, start training of farmers. Considering that BiH has the status of potential EU candidates (and will join the EU one day), this training was extremely helpful especially in terms of timely preparation of BiH farmers for managing the farm records.
In organization of the USAID-Sida FARMA project, 32 dairy farmers and representatives of various agricultural institutions attended the 49th International Agricultural Fair “AGRA” in Gornja Radgona (Slovenia), between 22-23 August. Meetings with the representative of Slovenian Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Vladimir Čeligoj, and with the Director of the Agricultural Chamber of Slovenia, Mr. Igor Hrovatič were organized during the fair. Additionally, producers and representatives of institutions from BiH visited INOX company and the bio gas production facility in Lendava. During the visit to bio gas production plant, attendees had a chance to see the advantages of the production of bio gas and to discuss the possibilities of investing into bio gas production in BiH.
Twenty representatives of beekeeping associations and relevant institution of Bosnia and Herzegovina visited beekeepers in Slovenia in the period of 18 – 21 August. Representatives from BiH were invited by the Slovenian Beekeepers Association “Čebelarska Sveza Slovenije,” and the visit was organized by the USAID/Sida FARMA. Beekeepers and representatives of BiH institutions had an opportunity to learn, both in theory and in practice, new beekeeping practices. Local attendees had a chance to ascertain the attractiveness and appeal of the beekeeping tourism in Slovenia and to learn about breeding and production of Kranjska bee queens. At the conclusion of the visit, attendees visited an agricultural fair in Gornja Radgona.
FARMA held a series of working meetings on August 11, 2011 with representatives from the Cabinet of the Cantonal Prime Minister, Bihać municipality, Cantonal Agricultural Ministry, Cantonal Assembly and the Agricultural Institute of Una Sana Canton. The project presented past and ongoing activities and discussed the future activities of the project in this canton.
Between 1 and 2 August the representatives of the Czech Development Agency joined FARMA staff to visit the berry demo plot in Butmir, which is managed by the Agriculture Faculty-Sarajevo, and the regional agriculture extension service in Bratunac. Counterparts discussed issues affecting fruit production in BiH as well as the potential support of the Czech Development Agency to projects implemented by these organizations.
U.S. Ambassador in Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Patrick Moon, visited a successful local company Maočanka Commerce d.o.o. located in Maoča, District Brčko on 27th July. H.E. Moon toured new fruit cooling facilities installed with support of the FARMA project and the medicinal and aromatic plants processing facilities.
Maočanka purchases fruits (mostly plums) from over a 100 individual farmers (all GlobalGap-certified) and exports their products to Russia and EU. As a result of FARMA’s ongoing support, the company expects to increase exports in this year by 50%. In addition, Maočanka procures medicinal and aromatic plants from over 1,000 individual collectors. These plants are processed by the company, and about 95% of production is being exported.
Maočanka’s management and H.E. Moon discussed the issues related to export of fresh plums to EU countries- issues resulting from recent EU introduction of customs duties and quotas on those products from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Management expressed their gratitude to the Ambassador, representatives of USAID and FARMA project for their support, and extended their invitation to H.E. Moon to visit the company soon to witness their commercial results.
Mr. Eric G. Postel , USAID Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade, visited Berry Demo Plot in Butmir today with officials from Sida and Czech Development Agency. Agriculture Faculty and FARMA staff informed Mr. Postel on the new berry varieties, introduced for the first time, in Bosnia and Herzegovina and discussed future plans.
A memorandum of understanding was signed on the 14 July at between the Czech Development Agency (ČRA), the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). This memorandum will ensure cooperation between the three donors to acoid duplication of activities in the field, reduce costs and improve the effectiveness of the donor funded projects. The cooperation will be through the USAID/Sida FARMA Project and will include activities related to the improvement of dairy production in northeastern Bosnia, overcoming constraints for export to the EU, and expansion of varieties and increased production of berry fruits.
During the last two weeks, Mr. Vincent Dunatte, a French expert for production of hydrolates and plant material composting visited a number of local essential oils processors: Roing from Ljubuski, Elmar Aroma Care from Bileca, Elmar Trebinje, Andjelic and Ljekobilje from Trebinje, Halilovic and Faveda from Sarajevo, Zene Podrinja from Skelani, UPIP from Zepce and Arome from Mostar. As Mr. Dunatte provides technical expertise to a French company which was the first company in the world to commence cultivation and industrial exploitation of immortelle, his practical advice and demonstrations were very useful, especially for processors from Herzegovina who declared their interest in commencing such production locally.
USAID/Sida FARMA project and BiH Foreign Trade Chamber organized a workshop on Hydrolates Processing Technology, which also includes plant waste composting. The workshop included discussion on medicinal and aromatic plants cultivation, with emphasis on immortelle cultivation and plant extracts production. The workshop was held by Mr. Vincent Dunatte, an expert in the field of hydrolates processing. Mr. Dunate is employed in Essences Naturelles Corses company from Corsica, France. This company is a large producer of hydrolates, compost and extracts. This company were world pioneers in immortelle cultivation.
The group of 55 beekeepers from Una Sana Canton, members of Union of Beekeepers Association USK,together with Ag.Institute from US Canton and USAID/Sida FARMA representative visited Municipality Srebrenica and exchanged experiences with beekeepers in that area. Meeting with Deputy Mayor of Srebrenica was organized as well as two training sessions for local beekeepers. It was agreed that all surpluses of honey will be sold to honey producers from Una Sana Canton. Donations of 400 kg of honey were given to three Women Associations from Srebrenica and to a kindergarten.
USAID/Sida FARMA project, in cooperation with the Agriculture Institute in Maribor and the BiH Associations of seedling producers, organized a study tour to Slovenia between 27 and 30 June 2011 for 15 participants. The participants learned about new technologies and requirements for the production of certified and standard plant materials (CAC – Conformitas Agraria Communititas). The study tour included visits to demo sites ‘Gacnik’ and ‘Bilje’.
Greenhouse for production of organic medicinal plants, honey and beehives was opened at the location of the barracks “Bišina” in Šekovići. The value of the project is 4 million convertible marks (BAM).
This is the largest greenhouse for these purposes in the region, equipped with the state-of-the-art technology, with fully automated system of production and supervision. The construction of the 5 017 m² greenhouse was financed by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Government of the Check Republic, and Mozaik Foundation. The facility was opened by the director of Mozaik Foundation, Mr. Zoran Puljić, USAID Program Officer Ms. Aller Grubbs and the Mayor of Šekovići Municipality, Mr. Momir Ristić.
The greenhouse is a part of the project “Ecoplants - Strengthening Women through Organic Production of Medicinal Plants” which plans to produce lavender and honey producing plants to employ 100 women from rural areas of Šekovići, Osmaci and Živinice.
Mozaik Director Mr. Zoran Puljić stated that 900 000 lavender seedlings, and fruits and vegetables transplants, which will bring additional financial benefits and contribute to long- term positioning of the greenhouse in local and regional markets.
U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Moore and his wife, visited Cooperative Eco-Flora from Kupres. Mr. Moore toured the cheese production facilities.
Eco-Flora is purchasing milk from 100 individual producers and currently processes 2,000 liters of milk into cheese. Due to FARMA’s intense efforts, this cooperative is now producing new types of cheeses- smoked and spiced cheese.
As a part of the medicinal and aromatic plant school, implemented by the FARMA project and NGO “Women for Women International,” a study trip was organized for 80 women from Doboj, Jablanica, Ahmići, Olovo, Vareš, Srebrenica and Bratunac, to „Faveda“ company in Sarajevo. Women had a chance to see the processing capacities of Faveda, storage conditions and to see the properly collected and dried medicinal and aromatic plants. They also got the information on procurement of plants, the terms and conditions as well as other benefits for Faveda’s collectors.
In cooperation with State Veterinary Office from Srebia, FARMA organized visit of BiH honey processors „Medicom“ from Grude and „Apimed“ from Sanski Most to „Medino“ honey processor from Krnjevo, Serbia. „Medino“ is one of five honey processors in Srebia holding EU export permit. As both BH companies are about to implement HACCP control system, which is one of the prerequisites for export to the EU, this visit was very valuable in terms of exchanging experiences. BH companies also had the opportunity to see modern honey processing facility, as well as the laboratory used for company’s internal control.
On the third day of the 9th International Festival of Tea and Herbs TEA-FEST 2011, prizes were awarded to the winner of the competition “New ways to use tea. “ The first prize in the amount of 200KM was awarded to the student Munevera Begic. Tea Fest participants had the opportunity to taste her winning mint ice tea. The second prize in the amount of 100 KM was awarded to a group of students: Lejla Fako, Aldin Dino Karahusić Islamović and a third prize in the amount of 50 KM went to Mihreta Podrug for coloring with tea.
On June 1st, FARMA project, GIZ and REZ organized presentation on the topic of “Croatia’s experiences in using EU grants for rural development.” Mrs. Biserka Zamostni of Varazdin Development Agency (DAN) informed attendees about ways how funds were used in Croatia, funded projects, common mistakes and how they could use more funds. Mrs. Biserka presented business plan for the farm that was funded by IPARD funds. Presentation was attended by 40 individuals, mainly farmers, agriculture SMEs, cooperatives, agricultural associations, development agencies and municipal extension service workers.
In the past week FARMA project, in collaboration with the RS Chamber of Banja Luka and Bijeljina, Mostar LINK and Agricultural Institute of Una-Sana Canton, held 4 presentations on “Slovenia’s experiences in using EU grants for rural development.“ Mrs. Eva Tkalčić of the Agricultural Institute Maribor informed attendees on ways these funds were being used in Slovenia, funded projects, common mistakes and how to get more funds. All attendees (161 farmers, agriculture SMEs, cooperatives, agricultural associations, development agencies and municipal extension service workers) could inspect project documentation (business plan, grant application and farm drawings) of Slovenian agricultural farm that received EU funds for rural development. Attendees were able to hear how they should prepare themselves in the upcoming period while BiH awaits the pre-accession.
The winners of the competition in the category of filtered tea blends, held at the ninth International Festival of Tea and Herbs TEA-FEST 2011 are known. The quality of tea was judged by a five-member jury made up of students of Agriculture University of Sarajevo.
In the first category of mint teas, two manufacturers share a first position: ”Vispak” Visoko for filter tea “Mint” and ”Biljana” from Maoca – Brcko for their tea “3B Nana.” Second place, ”Plantago” from Banja Luka for homemade herbal tea mix Nana-mint. Third place, “Herba-eco” from Sarajevo for organic tea “Nana Mentha preperita falium.”
In the category of chamomile teas, first place was awarded to “Pharmamed” from Travnik for their “Herbal tea – chamomile.”Second place, “Plantago” from Banja Luka for “Chamomile”tea. Third place, ” Biljana” Maoča-Brcko for tea “3B Chamomile”tea.
In the category rosehip teas, first place was awarded to “Biljana” Maoča-Brcko for “3B Rosehip”; second place, “Plantago” Banja Luka for their “Rosehip” tea; third place “Pharmamed” Travnik for “Herbal Tea – Rosehip.”
“Women for Women International” organized “Open Day of BiH Women Entrepreneurship” on 27 May 2011 in Sarajevo. This event was officially opened by Ms. Danuta Moore, a wife of the U.S. Ambassador to BiH. This event was organized in celebration of the International Women Entrepreneurs Day. Successful women-entrepreneurs (with officially registered businesses) presented their agricultural products, arts and crafts, medicinal and aromatic plants products and organic food products to public. The FARMA project took part in this event in order to underscore the commitment and support of the project to gender issues in agricultural and other fields and establish additional contacts with successful women-entrepreneurs.
Ms. Danuta Moore, Ms. Seida Saric and Ms. Jasenka Coric at the FARMA project booth
The BiH Food Safety Agency, in cooperation with the FARMA project, organized a seminar on the procedures for the protection of products and benefits of obtaining protected marks on the 13 May in Sarajevo. The presenters were Ms Eva Mattsson from Grolink in Sweden, and Mr Nijaz Bajramovic and Mr Dragan Brenjo from the BiH Food Safety Agency. Seminar participants now have a better understanding of the procedures for the protection of products. Director of the Food Safety Agency, Dr Sejad Mačkić, presented certificates of attendance to all participants.
A two-day workshop on animal husbandry standards and inspection and certification systems in organic production was held between 10 and 13 May 2011 in Tuzla. Workshop organizers were FARMA, Grolink and Organska Kontrola. Practical training was held on the Spreča farm in Donje Vukovije near Kalesija, which is one of the most modern dairy farms in the Balkans. The goal of the workshop was to help prepare BiH inspectors to work in the area of certification and organic animal husbandry standards in accordance to the EU Regulation 834/2007. The training was conducted by Eva Kristina Mattsson from Grolink, Sweden.
The US Ambassador in BiH, H.E. Patrick Moon visited Ljekobilje company in Ljubinje on 29.4.2011. where he met the company director Ms Slobodanka Comic, who presented activities and plans of the Company. H.E. Moon had the opportunity to tour the facility for the production of seeds and seedling materials of the medicinal and aromatic plants, and to see pioneer production of immortelle transplants as well as the immortelle demo plot. Ms Comic thanked the Ambassador for great cooperation and support of the Embassy through the FARMA project.
Winter schools for dairy farmers in Republic of Srpska were completed last week with certificate awards in Gradiska, Dubica i Prnjavor. Training was held by the experts of the RS Agency for Extension Services in collaboration with the FARMA project in period from February to April in 9 cities in RS- Prnjavor, Gradiska, Dubica, Han Pijesak, Vlasenica, Ugljevik, Teslic, Petrovo and Trnava.
Farmers had an opportunity to learn about proper animal feed, regulations on milk quality, how to attain extra class rating for raw milk, construction of barns and animal holds, reproduction of dairy herds, and topics on compliance with the EU standards, such as the Nitrate Directive. New RS Rulebook on Agricultural Subsidies was presented to farmers. All those farmers who attended at least 80% of lectures were awarded certificates of completion (370 in total).
In the period from December 2010 to April 2011 training on business planning (trained 202 commercial farmers and processors) and training on farm record keeping for farmers (318 farmers were held in 13 cities in BiH (Bijeljina, Zvornik, Gradacac, Gracanica, Srebrenik, Bugojno, Zepce, Trebinje, Konjic, Livno, Ljubinje, Mostar, Nevesinje). FARMA project engaged LiNK Association Mostar, REZ Zenica and NERDA Tuzla to conduct these trainings in Bosnia. This program enabled agricultural producers and processors to learn the advantages of a well written business plan, to better understand financial statements and the requirements of banks, and independently write a business plan and loan application, as well as to learn about keeping financial records on their farms.
FARMA project and the Associations for Production of Seed and Seedling Material of the Federation BiH and the RS organized sa visit of experts from the Agricultural Institute in Maribor (Slovenia) from 11 April-15 April 2011. Slovenian experts toured larger nurseries in BiH. During the last day of visit, a round-table discussion was organized on the topic “Quality standards and EU regulatory requirements for certification of nurseries.”Keynote speaker was MS Peter Zadravec, who elaborated on the current conditions in BiH and conditions which local nurseries must fulfill in order to obtain certificates for their production of seed and seedling material .
Today, FARMA grants were awarded to following organizations:
- Organska Kontrola, Sarajevo
- Agrar, Bužim
- Eko Vlašić, Travnik
- Neven, Rudo
- Smrčak, Zvornik
A lecture titled “Financial Services in Support of Agricultural Development in BiH”was held yesterday in Banja Luka in organization of the Chamber of Commerce of Republika Srpka and the FARMA project.
Representatives of 40 commercial and governmental organizations were provided with information on insurance of receivables and factoring, agricultural insurance, and USD 52 million DCA program jointly supported by USAID, Sida and three commercial banks in BiH. Speakers came from Prvi faktor doo Banja Luka, Raiffeisen bank Banja Luka, UniCredi bank Banja Luka i Uniqa osiguranje Banja Luka.
The first matchmaking event between the food production businesses from Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH ), organized by the Embassy of Republic of Slovenia, Slovenian Business Club, Employer Association of BiH and the USAID/Sida FARMA project, was held yesterday in the Grand Hotel in Sarajevo. After greetings from Ambassador of Republic of Slovenia, H.E. Andrej Graselli and other dignitaries, over eighty 10-minute bilateral meetings were held between local and Slovenian businesses. Twenty local businesses had an opportunity to discuss business collaboration with representatives of large retail chains such as Mercator BiH, Mercator South-Eastern Europe, Tuš, Konzum and Mims.
U.S. Ambassador Patrick Moon visited Linija voća company in Brčko on 15.03.2011. H.E. Moon had an opportunity to learn about company’s activities and plans and tour fruit orchards and cooling facilities.
Strategic plan for improvement of the organization of Tea Fest and Bee Fest in Sarajevo (2011 – 2013) was presented today to Ms. Samira Katica – Arnautović, organizer of both fairs which are held annually in June and September. Strategic plan developed by FARMA expert Mr.Feđa Begović will be a cornerstone for further improvements of both fairs. Ms. Arnautović expressed her satisfaction with new and innovative ideas included in the strategic plan.
On Thursday 10 March, FARMA signed grant agreements with 5 different organizations. With joint funding from USAID/Sida FARMA and Swiss Caritas, Association Drina will implement a project on the identification, education and monitoring of fire blight diseases caused by Erwinia amylovora on pomme fruits in two regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. ZZ Tarcin will implement a project in Tarcin to improve milk quality and yields through the acquisition of a closed milk collecting system consisting of a stationary milk collecting tank and a milking parlor. Lubrikum from Hadzici, will implement a project to increase the production of organic manure compost to meet increased demand from existing and new organic farmers. Prirodno bilje from Banja Luka will implement a project to improve the processing and export of value-added products by engaging additional farmers in the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants. 
Roing from Ljubuski will introduce new technologies in the production of essential oils.
FARMA and BiH Foreign Trade Chamber organized a lecture on organic certification requirements for beekeeping and bee products. The speakers were Director of the Certification Agency “Organska Kontrola” Ms. Mersida Musabegović and their in-house inspector, Ms. Azra Ličina Sinanović. Additionally, a beekeeper Mr. Admir Halilovic, talked about his “first hand” experiences as he obtained organic certificate for bee products in accordance with EU Organic Production Regulations. He emphasized the veterinary compounds which are allowed to be used in organic production and the issue of their availability in BiH, and discussed the certification requirements, in particular those requirements related to documenting production processes and adequate records.
During the conference „Nasa basta (Our Garden) project within the context of planned stimulation policy in 2011,” held on 23rd of February 2011, President of the FBiH Cooperative Association elaborated the needs for successful continuation of the Our Garden project. Our Garden project was launched in November 2010 and entails distribution and sales of local small-farms produce being sold in Mercator BH supermarket chain.
During the conference, Mr. Esed Muhić, President of the FBiH Cooperative Association expressed his gratitude to FBiH Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Mercator BH supermarkets, and USAID/Sida FARMA project for their collaboration and support. Mr. Muhić briefly emphasized the needs for successful continuation of the project „… Our priorities will be to construct cooling facilities which will extend the domestic produce offerings to entire calendar year. Additionally, we need refrigerated vehicles for produce transport as well as additional marketing support.” Value of produce sales in the first year alone is expected to pass a one million BAM- mark (over 700.000 USD) in the first year of Our Garden implementation.
In organization of the BH Foreign Trade Chamber, BH Agency for Export Promotion (BHEPA), USAID/Sida FARMA and SIPPO projects, 18 representatives of BH companies participated at the biggest and most important trade fair for organic producers, BioFach, held in Nuremberg, Germany. The 80m2 booth was a stage for 6 producers and processors: Elmar d.o.o. Trebinje, Elmar-Aroma Care Bileća, Halilović d.o.o. Ilijaš, Roing d.o.o. Ljubuški, Anđelić Trebinje i Smrčak d.o.o. Zvornik to showcase their products and present their organic certified products to visitors. Representatives of 12 additional companies had an opportunity to make new business relationships and establish contacts, in anticipation of obtaining organic certification in the near future.
The BiH Plant Health Administration and FARMA organized training for agricultural and phytosanitary inspectors on proper sampling and visual inspection of potatoes. The training was held in Sarajevo on 15 February, and included a practical component in a warehouse owned by Poljooprema. Similar training was conducted in Gradiška on 9 Decembar 2010. The training was conducted by Mr Andrej Potočnik, inspector from Slovenia. Participants included inspectors from FBiH, RS and District Brcko. Phytosanitary inspectors play a crucial role for the successful implementation of the Monitoring plan for quarantine pests of potatoes.
During the visit to Mostar yesterday, following the ceremonial opening of the American Corner in this city, H.E. Ambassador Moon attended the FIRMA Consortium promotion of tourist and industrial potentials of the region held in Ljubuški. FARMA project beneficiaries- Association Okusi Hercegovinu and PZ “Matica“- were also present at the event and had a chance to inform H.E. Moon on their activities, collaboration with FARMA project and to show their products.
REDAH Center for Rural Development and Agriculture held a 2-day training on farm accounting for Konjic area farmers. Training took place on the 20th and 21st of February in Konjic. Total of 28 farmers attended this training which was organized in collaboration with LINK Association from Mostar, supported by the FARMA project- a project co-financed by USAID and Sida. More on this story, here: http://www.redah.ba/en/component/content/article/395-redah-odrao-o
On 2. Feb 2011, Deputy U.S. Ambassador Mr Jonathan Moore, visited medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) processing company Ljekobilje in Ljubinje and met with the director Ms Slobodanka Čomić. Mr Moore had an opportunity to hear about the cycle of MAPs production: from production of MAPs transplants to final products. Mr. Moore also had an opportunity to tour the facility and see the distillation of MAPs, herbal teas production, MAPs transplants production and experimental fields. Ms. Čomić thanked Mr Moore for excellent cooperation and support of the U.S. Embassy through the FARMA project.
In organization of Foreign Trade Chamber, BHEPA, USAID/Sida and FARMA project, 18 representatives of BH companies will participate, as exhibitors and as visitors, at the biggest and most important trade fair for organic producers, BioFach, Nuremberg, Germany. The BiH Foreign Trade Chamber results indicated 72% increase in export of medicinal and aromatic plants and different plant products since the last BioFach fair.
NOTE: Article originally published in ”Poslovne novosti,” on 02/02/2011, contact: poslovne@megatel.ba
Photo: signature of agreement on support of the FARMA project in participation of local producers at BioFach fair
Credits: FARMA
FARMA project engaged LiNK Association Mostar, REZ Zenica and NERDA Tuzla to conduct these trainings in Bosnia. This program will enable agricultural producers and processors to learn the advantages of a well written business plan, to better understand financial statements and the requirements of banks, and to independently write a business plan and loan application, as well as to learn about keeping records on their farms. The first trainings are just held in Trebinje, Bijeljina and Bugojno
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FARMA_Newsletter.pdf (1.2 MiB)
FARMA project, in cooperation with the Agriculture and Food Processing Faculty from Mostar, supported establishment and organization of the Beekeeping School. Fifty-two (52) graduates -beekeepers from Herzegovina region (Ljubuški, Grude, Mostar, Čapljina, Neum, Konjic, Široki Brijeg) attended the Beekeeping School and had had the opportunity to learn in classroom and practical work about the economics of beekeeping, biology and physiology of a bee, bee pastures, bee products, polination, bee diseases, equipment needed in beekeeping, organic beekeeping and legislation.
Annual meeting of companies from medicinal and aromatic plants sector was held yesterday in organization of Foreign Trade Chamber, Business MAP Association, SIPPO and USAID/Sida FARMA. More than 50 participants discussed different technical and financial issues related to the sector.
FARMA project, in association with the Cooperative Association of the Federation of BiH, succeeded in establishing business relations between individual fruits and vegetables producers and Mercator BiH retail chain. By signing of contract on implementation of the “Our Garden” project, a large number of local individual producers gained access to shelves in 11 Mercator supermarkets in BiH. This represents significant opportunity for increasing sales and revenues of individual farmers. In the first phase of “Our Garden,” locally produced fruits and vegetables will be made available in all Mercator stores in Mostar and Sarajevo areas, with the plan to expand sales to all cities in BiH where Mercator stores operate. Hence, “Our Garden”represents an important step in expanding presence of locally produced fresh fruits and vegetables in other supermarket and retail chains throughout the country.
The five-day workshop on EPPO standards and quality systems in phytodiagnostic laboratories was held between 29 November and 3 December 2010 in Sarajevo. Workshop organizers were BiH Plant Health Administration and FARMA.
The goal of the workshop was to help prepare BiH phytodiagnostic laboratories to work according to EPPO standards (Euro-Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation). Dr Tanja Dreo from the National Institute of Biology in Ljubljana, expert engaged by FARMA, conducted training for BiH laboratory staff on the application of EPPO standards in laboratories, so that the Monitoring program for potato quarantine pests can be successfully implemented in BiH.
Mr. Ulrich Broecker, expert engaged by the FARMA project, was in Bosnia and Herzegovina last week to talk about importance of the Good Beekeeping Practices and Organic Beekeeping. Beekeepers responded with interest, evident by the presence of 450 beekeepers in 6 training events in Bihać, Banja Luka, Tuzla, Sarajevo, Konjic, and Trebinje. Individual sessions with most important honey processors were held also.
12 November 2010 Mr. Bruce Brower, COP of Fostering Agricultural Markets Activity Project FARMA has signed contract with Mr. Smail Toromanovic, director of Agricultural Institute USK for implementation of project “Analyses of forage for increased milk production”. This project predicts analyses of grass and corn silage and concentrate feed for control of their quality and proper balances of forage fees on 100 farms in BiH, and also providing recommendations and educative workshops that would be organized by experts from Agriculture Institute. Our final goal is to educate farmers how to properly feed their animals in order to get more quality and quantity of milk and with that more income – said Mr. Brower.
From 13-15 October 2010, FARMA project, invited by the BiH CRS (Catholic Relief Services BiH), organized a three-day training for their employees on “Financial Company Evaluation and Analysis of Business Plan. ” After successful completion of the project “Social Housing in BiH ” in returnees’ municipalities of Srebrenica, Drvar, Gorazde and Foca, CRS is now entering into new activities of financing business projects of users of social housings with the goal to create new jobs and increase of production (craft shops and agriculture). Completing a three-day training sessions held by Esma Mustajbašić, FARMA Agricultural Finance Manager, CRS staff have acquired basic knowledge on evaluation of future applicants and analysis of business plans that will be financed by CRS.
Mr. Bruce Brower, FARMA Chief of Party, awarded certificates to training participants on 10th November in CRS headquarter in Sarajevo. Mr. Jacob Hershman, director of CRS BiH, expressed the gratitude on the collaboration and expressed his hope that the two projects will continue successful cooperation in the future period.
FARMA Project and the Cooperative Associations of FBiH, RS and Brcko District, are continuing cooperation to train cooperative auditors. Training “Financial analysis of cooperative business management” was held on 26 and 27 October 2010 in Čitluk. Esma Mustajbašić, Agricultural Finance Manager of FARMA, trained cooperative auditors in financial analysis of agricultural cooperative business management. Course participants received certificates from Mr. Bruce Brower, FARMA Chief of Party, following the completion of a 2-day training.
The first training on artificial insemination of cows was held in Bosanska Krupa in the period of 8-12 November 2010. After theoretical part of the training, practical training sessions were held on „Farmland“ u farm in Aleksandrovac. Total of 29 farmers successfully completed training and attained certificates which allows them to, for the first time, conduct artificial insemination of their herds- a task previously exclusivelz conducted by veterinary services. Farmers now have greater responsibilities in the farm management, along with opportunity to reduce operational costs and increase productive capacities of their herds. Farmer, Mr. Nisvet Balić, stated after the training that „This was by far the best training I’ve attended and the only training where we had so much practical work done, thanks to FARMA project and experts who trained us.”
On Tuesday, 2 November, Pharos e.V. Stuttgart and FARMA organized a discussion session on “Establishment, operations and actions of agricultural producers associations” with the purpose of providing assistance to berry producers from Fakovici region. Agricultural Association NUPP took part in this discussion. The Association’s Director, Mr. Ismail Tupara briefly elaborated on the history of the Association, their activities and the problems which the Association had to overcome.
The plenary discussion was led my Ms. Ingrid Halbritter (Pharos e.V.) and the discussion revolved around the situation in which Fakovici berry producers operate and the expected contribution of the producer association in improving the position of berry producers.
FARMA, in cooperation with the BiH Plant Health Administration, organized training for laboratory personnel from Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Agriculture Institute in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The training focused on the detection of potato cyst nematodes (Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida). Training was interactive and included theoretical training and practical work in the laboratory, including all steps in DNA isolation using the PCR protocol.
This training is important as it will help prepare BiH laboratories to perform laboratory analysis in accordance with the monitoring plan for quarantine pests of potatoes prepared by the BiH Plant Health Administration.
FARMA, in cooperation with the BiH Plant Health Administration, organized training for laboratory personnel from Bosnia and Herzegovina at the National Institute of Biology in Ljubljana. BiH participants were trained in the testing for the presence of bacteria Ralstonia solancearum and Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus. Training included both theoretical and hands-on training on the preparation of samples and execution, use and interpretation of the three basic screening tests: immunofluorescence and PCR for detection of bacteria and isolation on media for detection of Ralstonia solanecearum.
This training is important as it will help prepare BiH laboratoratories to perform laboratory analysis in accordance with the monitoring plan for quarantine pests of potatoes prepared by the BiH Plant Health Administration.
FARMA project has signed first two grant agreements with the local partner organizations today, October 18, 2010 at 2 PM in FARMA office in Sarajevo. The director of Swedish Agency for International Development (Sida) Mr. Anders Hedlund attended the grant agreement signing ceremony and briefly addressed the grantees as well as the representatives of the local media.
The Agricultural Cooperative “Saradnja” from East Sarajevo is one of the grantees that signed today. This cooperative has set an ambitious goal of increasing the production of vegetables by 80% using the greenhouses that should enable early season production as well as the high quality products. The Youth Association “Okusi Hercegovinu” has also signed the grant agreement and with the grant funds will finance the participation of fourteen member delegation from Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Salone del Gusto fair in Italy, where they will have an opportunity to represent fifteen different traditional products from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Representatives of the USAID/Sida-sponsored FARMA project delivered two feasibility studies to the Director of Mozaik Foundation from Sarajevo, Mr. Zoran Puljić: (1) a study on Bee Farm Upgrading in Šekovići Region, and (2) a study on Establishing an Organic Plantation of Melliferous and Medicinal Plants on Bee Farm Šekovići. These studies will represent basis for establishment and development of the largest project in this honey production and production of medicinal and aromatic plants in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.
On September 23rd, 2010, FARMA project organized training on MAP cultivation for members of the Women’s Assosiation „Snaga Žene“ from Srebrenica. The training about basics on MAP cultivation was attended by 22 women from Srebrenica and Potočari. All of them showed great interest to learn more and to start with their own production on small plots.
Signing of the subcontract at the National Institute of Biology in Ljubljana. Present: Prof. Dr. Tamara Lah Turnšek, Director of the National Institute of Biology (right) and FARMA staff (left).
FARMA project has recently signed subcontracts with three different institutions in Slovenia, to assit BiH producers and institutions in EU alignment. The institutions are:
- Agriculture Institute in Maribor, which will conduct training in production technologies and quality improvements in dairy, production technologies and certification of plant propagation materials, and access to EU funding.
- Agriculture Institute in Ljubljana, which will train BiH laboratory staff in diagnostic methods on potato cyst nematodes.
- National Institute of Biology in Ljubljana, which will train BiH laboratory staff in diagnostic methods on quarantine bacteria affecting potatoes.
Director of Sida Mr. Hedlund visiting berry growers in Bratunac region.
Signing ceremony of sub-contract for technical support to berry and tree fruit producers in Bratunac, Srebrenica and Milici municipalities between the FARMA project and the PSS Bratunac was held on Monday September 20, 2010 in Bratunac. Ceremony was atteded by the Director of SIDA, Mr. Anders Hedlund, and the FARMA Chief of Party Mr. Bruce Brower with the FARMA project staff.
Beekeeping Cooperative Zalfija from Trebinje, organized beekeeping fair MedFest in the period 18 – 19 August. Exhibitors were mainly beekeepers from the region, in total 54. During the fair the cooperative organized training on ”Colonies Collapse Disorder” for beekeepers, as well as presentation of internal Regulations on the standardization of honey production.
The fair was very well visited. FARMA project was presented during the opening ceremony. On the second day, FARMA COP, Mr Bruce Brower presented the award for the “Best marketing presentation”. The award was given to “Braca Barzut”, family beekeeping farm.
Mr. Eric Luftman (Head of the U.S. Embassy’s ECON section) visited farm of Milan and Goran Skundric in village Nistavci near Prijedor. Family Skundric is the largest milk producer in Prijedor Municipality (a herd of 160 cows; 80 milking cows) with daily production of 1,600 liters of milk. The Skundric farm received technical designs for new stables, trainings in good hygiene practices and training for improved food formulation through various USAID-sponsored projects. Now, a 100% of the produced milk is continually being rated as “extra class” (the highest rating possible). USAID (through FARMA project) is assisting Skundric’s farm with trainings on business planning.
FARMA STTE Dr. David Picha visited POs in BiH in the period between July 19, and July 28, 2010. During the visit, Dr. Picha provided technical assistance to berry/fruit growers and processors. Dr. Picha also held three seminars for all interested parties in the sector on the topic “Opportunities for Expanding the Berry Sector in BiH.” Seminars were held in:
Bugojno – July 20, 2010
Cazin – July 22, 2010 and
Srebrenica – July 27, 2010
Eighteen famers from the Northeastern region of BiH: Bijeljina, Odžak, Gradačac, Bratunac and Srebrenica, visited dairy producers and farmers in Aleksandrovac ZZ Livač, Kozarska Dubica – Milorad Arsenić, and Bužim – Samir Duranović. During the second day, farmers visited Agricultural and Veterinary Institutes of Una-Sana Canton and Meggle dairy.
FARMA will hold Get-to-Grants Training on July 23rd, 2010 in
Spoljnotrgovinska/vanjskotrgovinske komora Building
( small conference room in the basement)
71000 Sarajevo
Branislava Djurdjeva 10
at 11:00 am.
The purpose of the festival is to stimulate individuals, government, wider community, media and public in general, to pay due attention to this prosperous branch through instigating measures and affirmation of successful individuals and collectives from the field of herbal production. Exchange of experiences on production, collection, distribution and consumption of medicinal and aromatic herbs, preparation of natural herbs, honey and other bee products and preparation of bee products, is what visitors and exhibitors consider particularly useful.
Director of Sida in BiH, Mr. Anders Hedlund, opened the 8th Tea Festival in Sarajevo. Mr. Hedlund also visited the exhibition and discussed the products with respective companies. FARMA was pleased to support the event by organizing educational seminars on technical and marketing topics.
FARMA also provided a prize for an exhibitor that offered the best marketing presentation at the booth. The award was given to a newly established company “Lamaruž” from Grude, which produces natural soaps. Prize was awarded by Mr. Allan Reed, USAID BiH Mission Director.
USAID and Sida directors, Messrs. Reed and Hedlund
Direktori USAID i Sida, gospoda Reed i Hedlund na međunarodnom festivalu čaja i ljekovitog bilja
How to save our fruit orchards from fireblight disease caused by Erwinia amylovora
Conference on ‘Erwinia amylovora – current status in BiH and how to prevent further spread’ was held on 17 June in Hotel Saraj, Sarajevo. The conference was organized by Swiss Caritas, BiH Plant Protection Society and FARMA. The conference included foreign experts: Markus Hunkeler from Wädenswil Institute from Switzerland; and Prof.Dr. Jelica Balaž, from Agriculture Faculty in Novi Sad.
The goal of the event was to inform key stakeholders in plant protection about the monitoring and management approaches in Switzerland and neighboring countries and define ways to manage this disease in BiH. Several conclusions were reached at the event that will facilitate initiatives for better control of Erwinia in BiH.
Erwinia amylovora causes fire blight disease that affects apples and pears. It can be very destructive. Management is very difficult and it requires an integrated approach which includes the use of preventative measures. Swiss Caritas is implementing the Erwinia project for over a year now to raise the awareness about the disease and strengthen the system for monitoring and management.
6/9/2010
Seminar on implementation of GlobalGAP standards in fruit production was held for all interested producers and other agriculutral agents in Bugojno. Seminar was organized by FARMA and the Center for Rural Development and Agriculture.
Today the majority of retailers in the EU require GlobalGAP standard for fresh fruit and vegetables. Everyone who wishes to familiarize themselves with the standard is invited to particiupate in the seminar in any one of the following locations:
- Wednesday, 9 June (11:00 – 14:00), Motel Heko, Bugojno
- Thursday, 10 June (11:00 – 14:00), Agriculture Institute, Butmir, Sarajevo,
- Friday, 11 June (09:00 – 12:00), Sala zgrade BPK, Goražde
- Monday, 14 June, Trebinje (time and location TBD)
- Tuesday 15 June, Mostar (time and location TBD)
Seminar is organized by FARMA and the Center for Rural Development and Agriculture.
Allan Reed, Mission Director of USAID/BiH and Anders Hedlund, Director of the SIDA accompanied by Dr. Brower, FARMA COP, and Mr. Nedim Dzano, Fruits and Vegetable AgBiz Portfolio Coordinator while touring new varieties
Allan Reed, Mission Director of USAID/BiH and Anders Hedlund, Director of the SIDA attended a ceremony introducing new crop varieties held on May 26, at the Center for Plant Genetic Resources in Sarajevo. The Fostering Agricultural Markets Activity (FARMA) project, in partnership with the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science at the University of Sarajevo, presented new berry varieties to determine if they are suitable for growing in BiH’s agro-climatic conditions and to establish if they should be included on the National Variety List. BiH farmers would then be able to plant these new varieties in BiH, ultimately leading to production of berries for fresh market, higher yields, better profit margins and improved market opportunities.
The FARMA project is organizing a 2-day seminar on HACCP system implementation. The keynote lecturer is dr.vet.med. Nikola Čolakovski. Purpose of this seminar is to introduce the basic requirements of HACCP system and prepare the attendees for development, implementation and maintenance of this system, through a series of lectures and practical exercises. The seminar will be held on 2nd and 3rd June in Hotel Ćubić, Laktaši, Banja Luka.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina medicinal and aromatic plants have the potential to contribute substantially to the national and local economy. It is believed that B&H has over 700 species of medicinal and aromatic plants. more…
Agricultural production, especially early fruits and vegetables, holds an important place in BiH’s economy. more…
Saturday, May 19
Currently: 22˚C
Feels Like: 22˚ C
Hi: N/A˚, Lo: 7˚