Jems
On 28 February 2025 in Donji Tavankut the Milkyway project held a conference “Regional Challenges in Artisanal Cheese Production” which brought together producers, experts and representatives of institutions from Croatia and Serbia. The event, organized in cooperation with the Osijek-Baranja County and the Vojvodina Chamber of Commerce, confirmed that small producers on both sides of the border face similar challenges, but also that working together opens up opportunities for improving the sector.
Through the panel discussions and expert presentations, participants discussed the key problems they face – from increasing competition and limited market capacity to the consequences of climate change and the decline in the number of dairy cattle.
Special emphasis was placed on the introduction of new technologies in milk production and processing, such as lyophilization, which can contribute to a longer shelf life and greater market availability of artisanal cheeses.
The ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation further strengthened institutional support for producers, while the exhibition part of the conference enabled direct contact between producers and potential buyers. This event once again demonstrated that regional networking and joint development of innovations are key to the long-term sustainability of the sector.
The organizers expressed their satisfaction with the large turnout of participants and emphasized that the activities will continue through the continuation of the Milkyway Stars project, with the aim of further improving the production, branding and export of artisanal cheeses.
