The Pejić couple from Semberija decided a few years ago to engage in fruit growing on their family property. They had no prior knowledge, but hard work, persistence and will soon produced good results, and the hobby turned into a profitable family business. Today, they are registered as an agricultural holding, and they market their products in Bosnia and Herzegovina. the market.
On an area of about three hectares, Pejići grows Siberian chokeberry, as well as blackberries and blueberries. They say they are satisfied with last year’s crop. Although aronia is not a edible fruit due to its pungent taste, after processing, aronia products are of high quality and have a good price.
“I have about 250 chokeberry bushes, last year it was great, it gave 5 kg per bush. Harvesting starts at the beginning of August, it lasts about 10 days, then the processing starts at home, we do it completely naturally without any additives”, points out Spomenko Pejić.
In about twenty days, Pejići say, blueberry harvesting will begin on their property. And then blackberries. The work is demanding, but gives good results. Production is completely organic.
“We want it to be 100% natural, so that once someone tries it, they have confidence in us and that we stay that way. Aronia is ground after picking, pasteurized at 75-80 degrees, bottled and that’s it. Everything is natural, no preservatives, no wine cellar. Customers are satisfied, we will try to make it even better”, says Milica Pejić.
They are recognized on the market, but they are not in agricultural policy – because as small producers they are not entitled to incentives. Therefore, for now, they do not plan to expand production because in that case they would need additional workforce. Their plan is to install a net and anti-hail protection in order to preserve a good harvest.
