Croatian Organic Farmers Associations Alliance is the umbrella organisation representing Croatian organic farmers, working to protect our national treasures — soil, water and air — by advocating for fair agricultural and environmental policies, promoting organic agriculture and healthy diets.
It started in 2014 as an initiative and was formally registered as an organisation in 2017. Today, it brings together 11 organic farmers’ organisations from across Croatia, representing approximately 250 organic farmers.
The common goal that unites these organic farmers is to share experience, support one another, and work towards a shared vision of sustainable agricultural models, healthy diets and food sovereignty.
We have been actively involved in supporting the development of local short food supply chains (LSPA) in Croatia, enhancing plant genetic diversity and on-farm seed production, and promoting innovative models of organic farming, including biodynamic agriculture. We do this through education, fairs and various events. We coordinate the national “Model of On-Farm Conservation and Sustainable Use of Plant Genetic Resources”, which connects farmers with the National Seed Bank.
Our main area of activity is advocacy, aimed at creating a more supportive policy environment for organic and sustainable agriculture in Croatia. We maintain regular and direct communication with the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture through our participation in several advisory and working bodies, as well as through regular consultations and meetings. We also engage with the Croatian Parliament and other relevant public institutions on issues affecting organic farmers and sustainable agriculture.
At the international level, HSEP is a member of international networks representing organic and small-scale farmers, including IFOAM – Organics International and the European Coordination Via Campesina (ECVC). Through these networks, we exchange knowledge and experience, participate in European policy discussions, and contribute to the development of common positions on organic and sustainable agriculture.