Ministers Pozder and Hrnjić at the Trnjak Fest: Ljubuški leading the way in the advancement of the autochthonous variety

The third edition of Trnjak Fest, a unique manifestation dedicated to Trnjak – a protected original red grape variety of Herzegovina and Dalmatian Zagora, was successfully held in Ljubuški. This festival brought together officials, wine lovers, farmers and guests from the region, celebrating the tradition, quality and potential of this autochthonous variety. The event was attended by the Federal Minister of Environment and Tourism Nasiha Pozder, last year’s ambassador of Trnjak Fest, and the Federal Minister of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry Kemal Hrnjić, who accepted the honor of ambassadorship for the year ahead.

Minister Pozder in her address stressed the importance of preserving nature, since fires have recently started in this region and pointed out that the environment was to be treated with care and respect, because this is the only way we can have a tourist and gastronomic offer and festivals like this one, which is important for the region.

“Trnjak is a special variety and festivals like this contribute to the improvement of the tourist offerings, providing interesting attractions to domestic and foreign guests. Keeping up the quality and service is the best advertisement. Our winemakers, for example, were awarded at Decanter this year, which confirms that BiH is a destination worth visiting. The torch now passes into the safe hands, because my colleague Hrnjić is committed to promoting the value of our farmers and what they bring to our tables,” said Poder.

Minister Hrnjić pointed out the importance of regional cooperation and the potential of the event.

“Here you can feel the true spirit of Herzegovina – the strength of tradition, the value of work and pride in the domestic product. Trnjak Fest can become a prominent brand, and the cooperation of winegrowers from Herzegovina, Vrgorac and Imotski, the triangle where this variety is present, is an example of how to promote untapped potential. In 2024, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina supported winegrowers with 2,500 KM/ha in payments. The same level of support is planned for this year as well. In 2024, the Federation of BiH allocated three million KM for production of grapes and olives, and in the last three years, the grape production has accounted for more than 90% of that amount. I am proud to support these great people and it is an honor to be the ambassador of the event that promotes our autochthonous variety,” said Minister Hrnjić.

27 winemakers and 14 representatives of the culinary world showed their products at the festival. The program included visits to the Roman sites of Mogorjelo near Čapljina, Narona near Metković and Gračina in Ljubuški, where visitors learnt about the history of wine in this region through the story of Roman heritage. They also visited the local wineries in Herzegovina, Vrgorac and Imotski, and the event ended with award ceremony for winegrowers and winemakers. Trnjak Fest reinforces its position in the promotion of autochthonous varieties, regional cooperation and the tourism potential of Herzegovina, heralding further success in the years to come.