Under the roof of the EU funds: A makeover for the market in Šamac

The green market in the picturesque Šamac has been the very heart of local trade and exchange of domestic produce for years. But as time went by, the local community recognised the need to modernise and improve working conditions at the market. Thanks to the European Union, through the EU4AGRI project, the green market in Šamac had its makeover.

The project valued at over BAM 66,000 brings a series of innovations improving both the appearance and functionality of the market. The market now boasts new canopies, benefitting not only the visual but also improving the conditions for vendors and visitors of the Šamac market.

Changes in the infrastructure are particularly significant, including the introduction of the electrical network, as well as cooling chambers intended for dairy and cured meat products. In addition, by installing bio-waste containers, the market complies with environmental measures, which contributes to the overall sustainability of the community.

“The green market is vital for us in Šamac, as it provides us with local and fresh products. Thank you to the European Union for its support that helps us cherish this treasure of ours,” said Branka Mušić, whom we met at the Šamac market.

Through this project, Šamac did not just get a modern green market; in fact, the entire market area was adjusted to the needs of the local population. The green market has become a place of commerce as well as a symbol of environmental sustainability and a community that cares about the quality of food and the well-being of its citizens.

New trainings for green market beneficiaries on sanitary measures have not only improved hygiene standards and food safety but also ensured that all food handlers have valid sanitary booklets. Trainings proved essential in preparing agricultural and food products for sale, making the green market a safe and good quality place to purchase food.

Supporting small entrepreneurs and strengthening the local economy makes the Šamac market a model for other communities, establishing innovative standards in agricultural and food industry sectors.

European Union Support to Agriculture Competitiveness and Rural Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EU4AGRI) Project is a four-year initiative (2020-2024) that aims to modernize the agri-food sector, create new jobs, as well as retain existing ones, and support recovery from a crisis caused by COVID-19 in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The EU4AGRI project is primarily funded by the European Union (EU) under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). Worth EUR 20 million, the project is implemented and co-funded jointly by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Czech Development Agency (CzDA).