Organized by the Institute for the Development and Improvement of Agriculture – IRUP Brčko and the company BIMAL, the Day of Oilseeds was held on the topic “The Importance of Domestic Production and Food Stocks in Times of Crisis”. After almost two years, agricultural producers had the opportunity to meet in one place and talk with representatives of relevant institutions about the state of agriculture.
“The crisis caused by COVID reminded us of the strength and importance of domestic production to the greatest extent so far. Only own food production can provide security for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and strong agricultural production and an increase in the raw material base is the basis for stable food production,” said BIMAL Executive Director for Economic Affairs Ševal Suljkanović.
Agricultural production in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially when it comes to industrial plants and oilseed crops, has room for development. This requires a set of measures and incentives that will encourage producers to enter sowing and increase the sown areas, say farmers.
“Oilseed Day exists to provide an opportunity for agricultural producers of oilseeds to receive information about the guaranteed purchase provided by the only domestic edible oil factory BIMAL. By increasing the raw material base of oilseeds in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we will together stop the dependence on the import of raw materials and have a positive effect on domestic agriculture and the protection of domestic producers,” added Suljkanović.
Representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Department of Agriculture of the Brčko District, and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Posavina County spoke about the activities carried out by the relevant institutions in order to improve the state of domestic agriculture and stimulate production at the time of rising prices of raw materials.
The conclusion of the Day of Oilseeds is that domestic agricultural production can be developed and thus ensure an adequate raw material base and food supply in crises. With the joint effort of all actors participating in this process, farmers have a better chance of turning to production and strengthening domestic competitiveness. Finally, it was pointed out that domestic production without awareness of buying domestic products cannot bring about significant changes in the country by itself.