Young farmers visit the Balkans

Editorial Department • Published 22 Jul 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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Trevor Wilson, from Lisnaskea and Janette Stirling, Glarryford YFC, the two Northern Ireland YFCU representatives at White Angel Monastery in Serbia.

A member of the YFC in Fermanagh, Trevor Wilson of Lisbellaw YFU joined with Janette Stirling, Glarryford YFU for the first study tour organised by Rural Youth Europe held in Belgrade.

Robin Swann, Rural Youth Europe President, accompanied Trevor and Janette on their visit. The idea behind the trip was to support the local young farmers' clubs which have been established over the last three years in both Serbia and Kosovo. Here is their account of their visit:

"The week was more informal than previous seminars with informal discussions being encouraged to transfer ideas between member organisations. Young Farmers' Clubs of Serbia and Young Farmers' Clubs of Kosovo have been established within the last three years and are based on the UK model of clubs. UN Food and Agriculture Officers are very involved in developing the clubs and are working continuously to open more clubs and provide them with the support required.

In Serbia there are three areas with 20 clubs established. The members range from young children to older members in their late 30's, early 40's. They are the heart of the communities that have been fortunate enough to have a club established. Currently in Serbia, club members are offered similar style competitions to YFCU with more developing every year including ploughing and pie making competitions. They certainly appreciate the social side of the clubs too.

In Kosovo the Young Farmers' organisation has been established within the last three years and currently has 14 clubs and over 250 members. Some clubs have been established within the last few months. They too are participating in competitions like ourselves with public speaking and hope to introduce Stock Judging in the near future. Clubs in Kosovo are building good community links by being active in their areas and securing premises and financial security for the future. The Young Farmers' Clubs of Kosovo are very keen for ideas on development, and suggestions such as school clubs were warmly received. They were particularly keen on exchange, with member organisations of Rural Youth Europe staying with them.

The week began with ice breakers and introductory sessions to the rest of the team from UK and Eastern Europe. We received presentations from the Youth Council in Serbia, as well as a Youth Ecology group. These are both potential partners for the Young Farmers, and both were keen to get involved with the work currently being undertaken.

We travelled by mini bus around Serbia, staying in various towns, visiting local attractions, but also visited a local farmer's market, a goat farm, vegetable farm and fruit farm. These farms were 95% self sufficient with only sugar, salt and coffee on their shopping lists. Visiting the farmers in their own homes was a real insight and gave us a better understanding of their current farming practices, and the markets they are involved with. The main produce in Serbia was Wheat and Raspberries. The average farm was 3-4 hectares, with 4-5 cows and a few chickens. There were a few larger farms, but these were not the norm.

Serbia and Kosovo are both picturesque countries and have a lot to offer. The landscape was very mountainous in the south, but in the North of Serbia, there were great flat plains. Unfortunately, while we were there, we did not get to experience the usual 40 degrees summer, but instead, more of a Northern Irish Summer with heavy rainfall every day.

Great friendships were made and future links and opportunities for interaction were hopefully established.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank YFCU and RYE for allowing us to be part of this trip and learning about other organisations with the same interests as us. Truly memorable! "

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 22 Jul 10

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