EU4AGRI Shares the Story from Gerila.info

Agriculture in Bosnia and Herzegovina is experiencing significant progress thanks to the support of the European Union through the EU4AGRI and EU4AGRI-Recovery programs, which are primarily funded by the European Union (EU) under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). These projects, co-financed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Czech Development Agency (CzDA), were launched with the goal of enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the agricultural sector. Millions of euros have been injected into Bosnian agriculture, providing crucial support to thousands of beneficiaries across the country.

One of these beneficiaries is Zoran Popović, co-owner of the Dalmati Winery in Glamočani, near Banja Luka, who emphasizes that the EU4AGRI-Recovery startup support was a perfect fit for him.

“That startup program was quite generous for businesses just starting out. At the time, we expanded our vineyard by three hectares and needed vineyard infrastructure—posts, wires, and all the necessary equipment. We also needed machinery to help cultivate the vineyard while reducing the use of herbicides and pesticides, aiming for more integrated and environmentally friendly production. However, all of that was too expensive for us to buy, so this project was the perfect opportunity to apply,” says Popović. He highlights that Dalmati Winery was founded on the legacy of his father, who planted the first vineyard in Bosnia and Herzegovina after moving from Dalmatia in 1995.

“Over time, we expanded our vineyards and started seriously producing wine,” Popović adds.

EU4AGRI-Recovery: A Serious Project for Agricultural Growth

The seriousness of the EU4AGRI-Recovery project is also emphasized by Anela Rodić-Jarebica, the project’s manager.

Through EU4AGRI-Recovery, which Popović and Dalmati Winery applied for, a total of 180 beneficiaries received nearly 7 million BAM, with co-financing contributions amounting to approximately 2.8 million BAM. The total investment in the agricultural sector is substantial, Rodić-Jarebica explains, adding that more than 250 applications were submitted for startup support, and 14 were selected.

“These are young and promising individuals with great ideas in the agricultural sector who want to engage in farming. Additionally, out of 180 supported beneficiaries, 101 are small farmers, cooperatives that received support,” says Rodić-Jarebica.

Popović also stresses that this project is ideal for small businesses, noting that the primary benefit is that they now produce much healthier products.

“First, we use fewer pesticides. We have completely eliminated herbicides because we acquired an automatic inter-row cultivator that helps with this. This reduces vineyard diseases and minimizes pesticide use. The other part of the support went towards acquiring a fermentation tank with a cooling system, which helps us produce higher-quality wine,” Popović explains.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

As for the challenges, Popović highlights that persistence and hard work were the key factors during the project implementation.

“The project required us to purchase new equipment and integrate it into our existing vineyard infrastructure, which involved a lot of work and time. However, the time allocated to complete the project was more than sufficient,” says Popović, adding that he had no complaints about the project.

“In fact, I can only praise it because it is very rare—even in EU-funded projects—to find such a good startup support initiative. Typically, startups struggle to get support, as banks are unwilling to provide loans. So, this was truly a perfect project,” Popović adds.

Finally, Popović states that he plans to increase production and quality, acquire new equipment, and construct a processing facility and a tasting room within the vineyard.

“The vineyard, situated 246 meters above sea level, facing south and southeast, overlooking the Vrbas River valley with favorable wind conditions and a view of Banja Luka, has exceptional tourism potential. Of course, completing these plans is a massive investment project, so we will continue following European Union funding opportunities,” Popović concludes.

A Major Step Forward for Agriculture in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The EU4AGRI and EU4AGRI-Recovery projects represent a significant step forward in the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s agricultural sector. Thanks to these initiatives, over 2,000 beneficiaries have had the opportunity to improve their businesses, modernize production processes, and ensure the long-term sustainability of their farms. The programs focused on key areas such as: Production modernization, Improved market access, Enhanced infrastructure in rural areas

These projects have also strengthened rural communities, making them more resilient to economic shocks and climate change. Investments in infrastructure, such as roads, water supply systems, and energy efficiency, have significantly improved living conditions in these areas, enabling young people to stay and develop their businesses in rural regions.

The European Union’s support through these programs has proven to be crucial for the survival and progress of many farms in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With funding from EU4AGRI and EU4AGRI-Recovery, farmers have been able to overcome challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis, creating a strong foundation for future growth.

With continued support like this, the agricultural sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina is expected to continue its path towards modernization and increased competitiveness in regional and European markets. The European Union remains committed to helping Bosnia and Herzegovina develop a sustainable and competitive agricultural sector, which will be a key pillar of economic growth and development in the future.