OrganicAdviceNetwork: Cross-Visit on Organic Cherry and Olive Production Held in Croatia

From 6 to 8 May 2025, SEASN organized a cross-visit to the Makarska region in Croatia as part of the EU Horizon Europe project OrganicAdviceNetwork. The event gathered 10 participants, primarily agricultural advisors and researchers from Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Hungary, aiming to explore organic fruit production in demanding environmental conditions.

Participants visited two remarkable organic farms:

🌿 Terra Marascae – an organic farm cultivating the traditional Marasca sour cherry, a local variety thriving in karstic, rocky terrain. Despite minimal organic matter in the soil, this variety produces high-quality fruits with a distinct polyphenol profile and high sugar content. Terra Marascae creates a range of organic products, including juice, brandy, liquor, jam, and vinegar – all from the Marasca cherry.

 

🫒 Jurin Dvor – a family-owned organic olive farm that established its olive grove from scratch in rocky terrain, taking advantage of the area’s unique microclimate with strong winds and low humidity. This helps minimize pest pressure and supports organic practices. Jurin Dvor produces various olive oils, along with olive spread, preserved olives, olive leaf liquor, and tea, showcasing creativity and dedication to tradition.

A special highlight was the interaction with the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture, where Nataša Puhelek Pustina, a specialist in organic production, delivered a detailed presentation on the current state of organic farming in Croatia. She covered key policies, support measures, and challenges faced by organic producers. Additionally, she outlined the Ministry’s advisory service structure, its on-the-ground activities, and the process and challenges of obtaining organic certification. During this meeting, participants actively engaged in discussions, which allowed them to gain new knowledge, compare policies and advisory systems from their own countries, and deepen their understanding through direct exchange.

The group also enjoyed a warm and welcoming lunch at Vinarija Biskupović, whose hospitality and cozy atmosphere added a personal touch to the experience – many thanks to them!

The visit concluded with a reflection workshop, where participants exchanged insights and advice. They especially appreciated the farmers’ enthusiasm, innovative solutions, and commitment to preserving traditional practices.

We are grateful for the valuable knowledge shared and the opportunity to connect across borders. We look forward to more inspiring cross-visits within the OrganicAdviceNetwork project – stay tuned for what’s coming next!