Endless farms boast a dark rich soil. Carts along the highway showcase huge heads of cabbage and cauliflower, which sell for about 12 cents.
Such promise is what I saw on my seven hour bus ride from Belgrade to Sarajevo last night.
Serbia still has a large agricultural sector. Other industries are struggling, largely because of NATO’s bombings of its factories in the late 1990s, which decimated capacity. The country has recovered, albeit slowly--one boisterous example is Belgrade’s nightlife, which revelers often describe as the best in Europe.
But while the cities recover, the countryside still lacks the necessary investment to move forward--as is the case of much of the
Balkans.
Eco-tourism is part of the solution. More specifically, rural villages could benefit from programs that showcase Serbia’s rich heritage and fine produce. Organic farming has been slow to catch on--the percentage of farms that employ such techniques is in the single digits--but there is talk. Villages potentially could reach beyond organic farming, and start micro industries like beekeeping and wine production. Local artisans would have an opportunity to sell such work as woodcarving or ceramics, and small hotels or bed and breakfasts could host visitors. To that end, these enterprises could sell their products, too, generating revenue--and ideally, sell them at an organic food store in a large city like Belgrade or Novi Sad. All if this is a few years from reality, however.
One organization that works to raise awareness of ecological and environmental issues is Ecoist, a civil service society based in Belgrade. With dedicated advocates like Jelena Lucic, a shift in thinking will occur in Serbia over the next few years.
I certainly hope so; the country is a little gem and the land, and food, are both stunning.
