Those with Quality Should Not Fear Europe

5. Eko-etno Croatia as part of the 83rd Autumn International Zagreb Fair was an opportunity to ask small domestic producers what they think about Croatia’s entry into the EU and how this entry will reflect on the fate of their products.

Judging by the following responses, although this survey is not authoritative, it seems that there is not as much fear of the EU as most media claim.  Vesna Jurčević, owner of the family farm Jurčević from Draganić, Karlovac County (cheese producer):
– I think it is not good for Croatia to enter the EU because I feel that the EU will not survive due to the large number of its colonies. When it comes to our products, I believe they will be destroyed. Look at how it is now, already 50 percent of the villages are destroyed, politicians lie that everything is sick, while our animals are completely healthy. If we enter the EU, we will lose even this little that is left.

Blaž Jurin, manager of the Agricultural Cooperative Primošten Burni from Primošten, Šibenik-Knin County (producer of sauerkraut, olive oil, dried figs, and almonds):
– I think that entering the EU will be the only right thing for us. First of all, we will learn where we belong, and secondly, it will be better for Croatia itself. When it comes to our products, I am not afraid for them. Europe recognizes only quality, and only those who do not have it fear the EU. We are ready for challenges because we are prepared in terms of design, storage, production to the final product, and we are already exporting part of the 400 tons of annual sauerkraut production to the EU.

Tomislav Koletić, family farm Pavlin-Koletić from Samobor, Zagreb County (producer of Samobor bermet and wine):
– I hope it is better for us to enter the EU, although I am not sure how it will reflect on production in family farms here. I have relatives in Slovenia who also have family farms and are not very satisfied after entering the EU. As for our family farm, I am not worried. After all, there is only one Samobor bermet and it has no competition.

Johan Skroče, owner of the family farm JOSKRO d.o.o. from Zadar, Zadar County (producer of olive oil, goat and cow cheese, dried porcini mushrooms, dried figs, almonds, and sugar-coated almonds, 10 types of liqueurs, and Zadar herbal brandy):
– Generally, I am in favor of entering the EU. I read in the newspapers that making kulen or distilling rakija at home will not be allowed. However, I know a man in Germany who has sheep at home, slaughters them, and preserves them. So, I think that this has all been taken literally, and I believe that many will actually have to register as family farms or similar, which will bring order. When it comes to my products, I am not afraid of competition because I already have ideas that are unrealized. When we enter the EU, if something does not go well for me, I will leave that and realize another idea. My God, a person must adapt.

Ivan Knežević, owner of the family farm Knežević from Šiškovci, Vukovar-Srijem County (bee products):
– I think it will be good in the EU for those who have quality. Those who do not will fall off anyway. I am not afraid for my products because we have already made a breakthrough in the Croatian market with our quality, and I see no reason why the EU market would bother us.

Zlata Nanić, owner of the health food store from her own estate Biozrno from Habijanovac, Zagreb County (grain production):
– It would be good for us to enter the EU, we just need to prepare. Generally speaking, I think that with quality preparation and education we can endure the birth pains of entering the EU. As for my production, it is the oldest organic farm in Croatia, we have quality and we are not afraid of competition. On the contrary, the EU market is very open to eco-products and we see our chance there. At the same time, it is a chance for Croatia, as we have predispositions for the production of eco-food. (Edis Felić)