Environmental Association “Green Seed” organized a roundtable discussion on “Sustainable Management of Harvest Residues” on October 17, 2024, in collaboration with the Business Club of the Municipality of Ruma, at the local Agricultural Advisory Service. At the round table, a research was presented on the topic of intentional and unintentional burning of crop residues after harvesting grains, which causes a number of negative consequences for the environment, human health, and safety. Following a preliminary survey, the results, SWOT analysis, and recommendations for local authorities and decision-makers were presented.
The survey was conducted as part of the project “Sustainable Management of Harvest Residues to Improve Air Quality and the Environment,” which is being implemented within the Fund for Sustainable Local Development. The survey covered 55 farmers in the municipality of Ruma, and based on this, a SWOT analysis was developed along with recommendations for local authorities and decision-makers. The presentation of the results was attended by and actively participated in by the Association of Professional Firefighters from Novi Sad, Provincial Independent Agricultural Advisor Jovana Milić, the Agricultural Advisory Service of Ruma, as well as local farmers.
After the presentation of the survey results, a discussion began, leading to conclusions that sparked numerous topics not strictly related to land cultivation. Agricultural producers expressed their views on input prices, agricultural cooperatives, and the marketing of products in an uncertain and often difficult-to-access market with no guaranteed prices. The research will serve as the basis for further advocacy initiatives, particularly those aimed at amending part of the local action plan in the municipality of Ruma related to agricultural policy.