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Čadrg village is situated on the outskirts of the Triglav National Park (West Slovenia), in a typical Alpine landscape at an altitude of 700 m. There are approximately 50 inhabitants in the village. Three family farms are engaged in ecological production and processing of milk in a common cheese manufacturing plant. The remainder of the inhab- itants are employed outside the village. In contrast to many mountain villages, Čadrg is a dynamic and energetic village with an adequate share of young families and children. Since 1999, the Don Pierin Community is operating in the village. Tourism is also an important activity.
Area: The agricultural land of three farms without forests is approximately 86 ha.
All farms are engaged in cattle-breeding, focused on organic milk production and organic milk processing. Most of the milk is processed into a traditional cheese called Tolminec, which has been protected since 2012 by the desig- nation of origin. Due to its high altitude, relief and climatic characteristics, the main food stock is grass. The area is home to a brown cow breed, which gives milk an adequate richness with high quality proteins. In the summer cows graze on the surrounding mountains pastures. Winter food ratio is based on hay and grass silage. In addition to cows, all farms have other domesticated animals and are engaged in growing vegetables for their own needs.
Cooperation Process Data
Each farmer is responsible for the sale of goods which he / he produces. They are sold at the farm-gate and at mar- ket in nearby Tolmin and also at markets in Nova Gorica and Ljubljana. Customers can also purchase products online. The sale of products is demanding due to market distances and the low volume of customers in the vicinity.
Over the summer, some cows graze on common mountain pastures, where the division and work obligations are subject to the traditional rules of the community.
Due to the location of the village in the protected area of the Triglav National Park, interventions in the area are limited, which sometimes presents a problem for the development of economic activities on the farms. In the the village and its immediate hinterland, it is necessary to coordinate with various local stakeholders - inhabitants, visitors, hunters, and foresters.
Due to its position, landscape, ecological orientation, natural and cultural heritage, and vitality, Čadrg has become recognized throughout Slovenia and abroad. The village is often cited in the media, and various state, development and educational institutions as an example of how the Alpine region can be maintained and developed on the principles of sustainable development.
Measures and resources from the Rural Development Program are also used for farm and village development. The community requires simple and quick administrative procedures for the implementation of the Rural Development Program.
The development of the village would not be possible without young educated people. There are various formal and informal ways to attain appropriate knowledge, training and skills on topics such as farming, milk processing and natural and cultural heritage management. The institutions that carry out the educational function are the advisory service, the development agency, and the Forest Service.
The community is small, limited to families that have been living in the same village for many years. Traditional rules are being followed when dealing with common issues. Despite respect for tradition, the community is very open to the outside world. Expert knowledge in the field of agriculture is not the most important for the functioning of the community. It is important to know the history of the community, its cultural and natural heritage, the environmental impacts, and self-management of local communities.
Advice/Recommendation
“Community work requires openness, respect, initiative and a positive atmosphere.
Respect for tradition, nature and landscape is not an obstacle to progress.
Establish appropriate relations with the institutions. Learning and critical thinking.”
Queries/Questions
- The Rural Development Program seeks to promote cooperation between farmers, thereby preventing depopulation and preserving rural landscape. How effective is the Rural Development Program?
- Successful co-operation activities requires the participation of a larger number of stakeholders. Do you agree?
