On September 5, 2018 in Tetovo and Gostivar and on September 6 in Bitola and Prilep, info-sessions were held with the farmers presenting the advantages of joining agricultural cooperatives, as well as the possibilities for supporting the agricultural cooperatives.
A successful example from the region was represented the agricultural cooperative Simmentalz from the Golden Valley of Slavonia, Croatia. The cooperative was founded in 2001. by joining 13 farmers who today have a veterinary clinic, dairy and sales space.
“It is true that we have similar problems, I come from a cooperative formed by villagers. The initiative and all that was necessary for the functioning of the co-operative we set ourselves. We did not have the help of the state, we formed a cooperative by model and motive similar to the countries of our region, Austria and Germany. We often went and learned from co-operatives in these countries, and after ten years of mutual friendship we decided to establish a cooperative “- stressed Mr. Miroslav Kovac, manager of the cooperative Simmentalz from Croatia. “Our expectations have been made, which does not mean that it is easier for us now. On the contrary, we should now keep what we have achieved, we fight ourselves, we go out together in the markets and solve all problems together “, added Kovač.
“In order for agricultural cooperatives to function, people must trust each other, but also understand that they are very small and have limited opportunities to succeed on the market. The only way is to get together in those areas where they have a common interest in purchasing, selling, warehouse for products, etc. “Lazar Nedanoski from MEDF pointed out.
The participants were informed about the announced calls for registration of existing cooperatives, as well as all other groups of agricultural holdings that have interest in establishing agricultural cooperatives. Calls are available at: https://zadrugi.mk/info_mk/mozhnosti-za-poddrshka/ .
Informative meetings are part of the “Caravan of info-sessions” and so far such meetings were held in Kavadarci, Tsarev Dvor, Resen and Dolno Lakocarej, Ohrid.
Photographs from the session held on 05.09.2018, in Tetovo, in the Municipal Hall.
Photographs from the session held on 05.09.2018, in Gostivar in the Municipal Hall.
Photographs from the session held on 06.09.2018, in Bitola, in the Center for Culture.
Photographs from the session held on 06.09.2018, in Prilep in the old Municipal Hall.
