Climatic Conditions and Agrotechnical Measures in Sustainable Oilseed Production
Organized by the company BIMAL dd Brčko and the Institute for the Development and Advancement of Agriculture IRUP Brčko, the traditional 21st Oilseed Day was held today in Brčko. It is a unique agricultural event in Bosnia and Herzegovina, traditionally bringing together farmers from across Bosnia and Herzegovina, experts from our country and neighboring countries, as well as representatives of relevant ministries, institutes, educational institutions, and related sectors.
At the beginning of the event, the attendees in the amphitheater of the European University in Brčko were addressed by Anto Domić, Deputy Mayor of the Brčko District of BiH, Damir Bulčević, President of the Assembly of the Brčko District of BiH, and Siniša Milić, Mayor of the Brčko District of BiH, who also officially opened the event. All speakers sent a unified message that such gatherings are necessary and that domestic food production is crucial for preserving the community.
The central event of Oilseed Day was an expert panel featuring Amir Softić, Head of the Department for Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Brčko District of BiH; Saša Lalić, Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Srpska / Department of Agriculture, Food Industry and Rural Development; Mario Beus, Head of the Plant Production Section of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry; Mato Brkić, Minister of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry of Posavina Canton; Jurica Jović from the Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences in Osijek; Saša Petković from the company Agrimatco; and Branko Jevremov, representing the Donau Soja Organization.
Participants discussed numerous topics important for the production of oilseeds, as well as other plant crops, especially in light of climate change. Farmers received valuable advice on which agrotechnical measures should be applied to preserve seeds, ensure their proper development, and achieve quality yields.
The most important conclusions and messages of the event were that it is necessary to introduce regular soil analysis in practice, maintain crop rotation practices, view subsidies as an investment rather than assistance in regular operations, continue strict control and penalties for the sowing of GMO soy and prohibited varieties, work on amendments to regulations on incentives and the differentiation of projects into basic and development projects, insure crops with insurance companies, and strengthen the entire supply chain.
The role of BIMAL and IRUP in promoting oilseed production was also praised, with the emphasis that this should be a shared path for farmers, professionals, and the scientific community in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.
At the end of Oilseed Day, the Director of the Institute for the Development and Advancement of Agriculture, Azelea Suljkanović, announced the lowest guaranteed purchase prices for soybeans and high-oleic sunflower for the year 2026, and presented certificates of appreciation to distinguished associates and partners, production organizers, producers, and women in agriculture.