Biljana Marić: Amid business achievements, sometimes a glass of fresh milk is enough for happiness

Aleksandar notes that Biljana leads the cheese production efforts, and visitors from around the world come to purchase their celebrated cheese.

"My husband and I work together in production, and sometimes our sons help when they visit from Banja Luka. This region has always been known for its cheese production. The expansive pastures with quality fodder and clean air enable the production of high-quality milk. We currently make the famous yellow Trappist cheese from cow's milk, using a recipe that has been passed down through generations in our family," explains Biljana.

Cheese production requires constant attention and dedication. It takes 24 hours to produce the cheese, followed by a drying period of one to two months, depending on the mold size. Although their sons help during visits, they have chosen to pursue careers in the city and are unlikely to carry on the family tradition. However, they appreciate the chance to eat fresh, homemade food, which is becoming increasingly valued amidst large-scale markets and retail chains.

"I’m glad people recognize the importance of consuming quality, organically produced food. We often host many travelers, especially foreigners, who always choose local producers over industrial products because they can see firsthand the conditions in which the livestock is raised, ensuring the quality of the products," Biljana adds.

One of the key objectives of the project “Women Driving Resilience in Agriculture and Rural Areas” is to ensure that women rural entrepreneurs in Bosnia and Herzegovina are visible, engaged, and acknowledged as essential contributors to rural development. To guarantee the relevance and effectiveness of project activities, consultative research was conducted with direct involvement from women entrepreneurs like Biljana Marić.

Women rural entrepreneurs were invited to participate in a series of consultative workshops across Bosnia and Herzegovina, where they shared their experiences, challenges, and recommendations for starting and managing their agricultural businesses. Focus groups were also organized to gather diverse perspectives and needs from women in various rural communities. The results of these workshops directly shaped the strategic directions of the project, ensuring that its activities align with the real priorities and needs of women.

The Marić family dreams of expanding their herd while maintaining their commitment to organic milk production, without ambitions to transition to industrial-scale production. Among many business success stories, sometimes a simple glass of fresh milk brings the most joy—a sentiment that is clear upon visiting their small farm at the edge of the village.

The visit to the Marić family was part of the project “Women Driving Resilience in Agriculture and Rural Areas” aimed at recognizing rural women entrepreneurs as key actors in developing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s rural areas. The project is supported by Sweden and jointly implemented by UN Women and FAO.