Pilot Project AJMO LOKALNO Presented

The public presentation of the pilot project "Ajmo Lokalno: Branding the Šibenik-Knin County as a Destination for Sustainable Tourism, Recognizable Gastronomy, and Local Food Production" took place at the Krka-Kistanje Rural Business Incubator on the 12th of December 2024.

The "Ajmo Lokalno" pilot project was designed to create an innovative business model for short supply chains that connects local producers, restaurateurs, and end consumers through a digital platform and app. The focus is on developing a mechanism for the more efficient and sustainable distribution of local food, along with a network for education, experience exchange, and knowledge transfer. The goal is to revalorize local food production and further develop the Šibenik-Knin County brand as a destination for high-quality, diverse local food, recognizable culinary heritage, and sustainable tourism.

Our collaboration with this Short Food Supply Chain, the first to be owned by the local government, represents a pivotal step forward. Once they reach self-sufficiency, this project will serve as a pioneering case study, paving the way for the establishment of numerous public-sector-driven SFSCs across the region and beyond.

What was presented at the launch?

• Inspiring stakeholder stories – Attendees met several initial stakeholders of the Ajmo Lokalno network, including farmers, fishermen, restaurateurs, and winemakers, who shared their challenges and the potential of local food production.
• Lectures by top experts:
  • Dr. Irena Ateljević and Tomislav Škarica, project executors from the Terra Meera Center for Human Potential and Sustainable Development, introduced the project to the public.
  • Prof. Dr. Marija Heffer, Head of the Department of Medical Biology at the University of Osijek, delivered a presentation titled “Ajmo Zdravo,” discussing the impact of modern food systems on nutrition and health.
  • Mg. Roman Ozimec, an expert in agro-biodiversity, highlighted the importance of inventorying and cataloging local varieties, breeds, and authentic gastronomic products to preserve biodiversity and create an authentic gastrotourism offering.
  • Ivan Lauc, Director of Plodie, demonstrated the innovative digital platform for managing short supply chains, which serves as the technological backbone for the future online marketplace "ajmolokalno.hr."
• Panel discussion – Stakeholders from the "Ajmo Lokalno" network shared the current challenges and opportunities for producers and restaurateurs.
• Prize draw and tasting – Three gift boxes filled with local products were awarded to lucky winners of the prize draw.

• Culinary delights – Chef Dino Bebić prepared a feast using ingredients and products from local producers.