2024
It was the year of drought. The absence of snow for two years and an early, hot spring in 2024 had significant impacts on soil moisture and plant health. Tomatoes, being particularly sensitive to extreme conditions, suffered, which is understandable given their need for consistent watering and stable temperatures for optimal growth. The fact that other vegetables managed to fare better is perhaps due to their inherent resilience; better adaptation to the local soil or to the weather conditions. However we haven’t been able to share any seeds from our own seed bank at the end of the year. It has been a strategic decision to conserve what was left for the next planting season due to the harsh conditions.
In September 2024 Motika was invited to the bi-annual Slowfood world conference in Turin. Being the only Serbian representative highlights the recognition of local efforts in sustainable agriculture and food culture on an international stage. This participation not only have enriched our network but also enhanced our knowledge base in sustainable food practices.
Ana’s 2024 certification as a Sustainability Communications Specialist by the Chartered Institute of PR in the UK marks a significant personal and professional milestone. To address modern supply chain challenges in food industry, her graduation paper was about reinforcement of ESG strategy in Retail by using Blockchain technology.
The year 2024 encapsulates the dual reality of climate change impacts and human adaptation. While the physical environment posed challenges, there was also clear progress in terms of professional development and international recognition in the field of sustainability.
Looking forward, there might be a need to adapt seed saving practices, perhaps focusing on varieties that are more drought-resistant or have shorter growth cycles to cope with unpredictable weather patterns.
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The Highlight of 2023 – Noah’s Ark event
Biodiversity is an essential component of ecological stability and resilience, playing a crucial role in sustaining ecosystem services that support human well-being. The „Noah’s Ark Event Užice,“ was held for the first time in close cooperation between Motika and Užice local community. It served as a platform for raising awareness about the importance of conserving biodiversity within the region. This event brought together scientists, policymakers, environmental activists, and local communities to discuss pressing issues related to soil conservation, habitat protection, and sustainable development practices. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, the event aimed to enhance public understanding of biodiversity’s critical role in maintaining ecological balance.
The Event served not only as an informational hub but also as a call to action for preserving Serbia’s (and in particular regional) unique ecosystems.
More about the event, and for Serbian speakers click here.
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25 December 2022 – an update
This year has been extraordinary. I wrote about how I established a local seed bank, studied the ins and outs of sustainable agriculture, and planted an organic vegetable garden using native or heirloom seeds. I’ve been able to share my collected seeds with ten additional interested families this year through this nonprofit initiative, and in January, twenty more will follow. Next year, I hope they develop, thrive, proliferate, and share the seeds with the others.
I raised tomatoes, cucumbers, chard, tiny carrots, potatoes, onions, pumpkins, and three different kinds of beans this year. I also planted some paprika. The majority of plants produced gorgeous growth and brought delight and happiness all year long. The experiences, both good and bad, of this project are chronicled at www.motika.rs.
In my „previous life,“ I was talking about change management; in this, I have demonstrated the best of it.
It is my plan to tell you more about true change management shortly, what it means, and how I experienced it firsthand. But for now, and for the Serbian speakers, you can look back at my 2022 via blogs.
I wish you Happy holidays and the best in 2023!
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If you are thinking of a 2022 charity project and would like to donate to a cause that is ecological, supports the local community, and helps take care of current world issues, think of this project.
We have started an eco-friendly, agricultural, non-profit initiative in the west of Serbia, in a mountainous region 200 km down south from Belgrade. We have a plot of land that has not been worked on since the 1980s. With the help of our immediate neighbors, a couple in their 50s, we have planted some native, old varieties of vegetables and grains and have formed a sizable family garden.
The land, the project, and the website are called Motika.
In order to empower farmers in the region, support sustainable agriculture, and improve the local community, on the website we have offered a few ways for people to join in, donate, or come and visit.
When we started with the project in January, we had no idea how relevant this topic would be so soon after. The threat of food shortages and difficult logistics is becoming our reality.
You can adopt a crop or plant a fruit tree too. If you are interested in donating to the local Serbian agriculture scene, contact me. If you are an expert in agriculture, spend the summer with us and show us your skills. Come visit us even if you are not.
Instagram profile can be followed via: https://www.instagram.com/motika.rs/
