The Stanisavljević family from Donji Vranovac, which has been growing tomatoes for more than 50 years, faces numerous challenges in production. Tons of tomatoes are picked and packed daily in their small facility. Tomatoes are grown in greenhouses that occupy almost two hectares of land. Tomatoes are their main source of income, from which they finance life, children’s education and investments in the next season.
Source: MrRuzma
Tomatoes from generation to generation
Ana Stanisavljević, who runs the farm, points out that this year’s tomato crop is extremely satisfactory, both in terms of quality and quantity. Tomato production is not easy, it requires a lot of work and dedication, and the family works 16 hours a day to ensure a good crop. The tomatoes they produce are sold all over Serbia, in supermarkets and markets. Stanisavljević improved their production, investing in modern greenhouses and machinery. Although they started with small areas and modest equipment, today they have a stable and successful production.
Switching to organic production is one of their goals. This year, they completely switched to organic preparations, but they still do not have certificates for organic production. Their tomatoes, which they grow with great care, are available to customers all over the country. Varieties they grow include ‘matisimo’, ‘belladonna’ and grafted ‘runer’. In addition to traditional varieties, they are also experimenting with special varieties, such as purple, black, orange and small black tomatoes. The price of these special varieties can reach up to 1,000 dinars per kilogram, but the market for these products is still being explored.
„My „runner“ runs“
Ana Stanisavljević points out that last year they planted 4,000 roots of grafted tomatoes of the “Runer” variety, imported from Bosnia. This tomato is less demanding to care for and brings good yields, and they are satisfied with the results they have achieved.
The Municipality of Lebanon organizes the Tomato Fest every year, during which the best tomato producers are selected. Ana Stanisavljević won the award for the best tomato producer last year. Their commitment to quality and innovation, with the help of government subsidies, allows them to remain competitive in the market and to face challenges in the industry.
The Stanisavljevićs plan to continue improving their production, with the goal of obtaining a certificate for organic production in the future and expanding the offer of special varieties of tomatoes. Through constant investments in equipment and new technologies, they try to keep up with foreign competition and remain leaders in tomato production in the south of Serbia.
Source: Good morning
Source: boljazemlja.com
