• IstraAgroTurizam

Istrian Agro-Tourism

Tuesday 14th June

Workshop Leader: Vlasta

Notes on Process: Professional Power Point Presentation in Croatian script, Spoken in English

Summary

Vlasta has a Masters in Science in Compost and did her Permaculture Design Course with Tony Anderson last year. Vlasta works as an agricultural advisor to ‘Bio-Istra’ an organic agricultural development organisation in the North West Peninsula of Croatia. The workshop communicated the work, difficulties and future plans of the organisation.

Key Points

• Bio-Istra is a collaboration of local structures, NGOs and farmers – like a council. Formed 7 years ago with 3 goals:
  • help farmers survive
  • develop different projects for economic and environmental benefit
  • develop organic agriculture – selling organic produce to tourists
• Istra has been marketed as a product itself. It is beautiful, however 85% is unoccupied
• Many opportunities for farmers who want to work step by step. Funding from local banks and government – agro-tourism loans at just 2%; free architect advice and free consultation from Vlasta (advisor for agriculture). Good credit for farmers, mortgages, underwritten by Vlasta and other advisors, for those under 50 and prepared to work hard.
• 16 Agro-tourism Farms, some think 200 but these are not ‘proper’. Have to live from farm and sell everything to tourists – very successful, affordable Bed and Breakfast for 10-30 Euros and can help and work for food.

• Lots of difficulties – higher loss for agriculture than restaurants & hotel so farms have to behave like posh restaurants e.g. illegal to forage food without certification… so changing the law!

• Wants to collaborate with all participants for feedback on projects & future opportunities. Open to any suggestions.

[Scribe: Hannah]