Breeding and Preservation of the Hrvatica Hen Breed in the Dalmatian Hinterland with Support from the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund

Na temelju provedenog istraživanja vidljivo je da je Fond za zaštitu okoliša i energetsku učinkovitost Republike Hrvatske prepoznao važnost zaštite autohtonih, hrvatskih pasmina i zaštićenih životinjskih i biljnih vrsta u Republici Hrvatskoj što potvrđuje potpora projekta Kokoš hrvatica u Dalmatinskoj zagori. Postoji dosljednost provedbe uzgojnog programa kokoši hrvatice u Dalmatinskoj zagori (potvrđeno u provedenom intervjuu), prema svim važećim propisanim načelima. Prikazana je postojeća suradnja svih subjekata u izradi i provedbi akcijskih mjera, pružanju novčane potpore te animiranje javnosti za očuvanje pasmine i promoviranje pasmine na nacionalnoj i međunarodnoj razini. Uzgoj kokoši hrvatice u proteklom je razdoblju u stalnom porastu, s obzirom na broj uzgajivača, ali i na broj kljunova. Rezultati provedene ankete Kupnja ekoloških proizvoda (obuhvaćeno je po 50 ispitanika iz velikih gradova: Zagreb, Rijeka, Osijek, Split) pokazuju da postoji svijest o važnosti zaštite autohtonih životinja i biljaka i uzgoja autohtonih pasmina u RH, da kupci preferiraju domaće ekološke proizvode za koje su spremni izdvojiti više novaca i da postoji potražnja za ekološki uzgojenom hranom. Kupovinom domaćih ekoloških proizvoda omogućava se jačanje domaćih proizvođača i veće povjerenje u domaće proizvođače. Kao dobar primjer budućim uzgajivačima može poslužiti braniteljska zadruga Pauk-Čeka koja ima reprezentativni uzgoj kokoši hrvatice kojim zadovoljava sve kriterije. Uzgoj autohtone pasmine kokoši hrvatice osigurava bio održivost ekološkog sustava te omogućava održivost ruralnog područja i opstanak malih gospodarstava.Based on the conducted research, it is obvious that the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund of the Republic of Croatia recognised the importance of protection of indigenous, Croatian breeds and protected animal and plant species in the Republic of Croatia, which is corroborated by support for the project entitled the Hrvatica hen –in the Dalmatian Hinterland. The Hrvatica hen breeding programme in the Dalmatian Hinterland shows consistency (confirmed in the interview) in accordance with all the relevant prescribed principles. The existing cooperation of all entities in the preparation and implementation of action measures, as well as in providing financial support, and stimulating the public to preserve and promote the breed at national and international level is shown. Breeding of the Hrvatica hen in the previous period has been on a constant increase, both in terms of the number of breeders and the number of breeding hens. The results of the survey Buying eco-products (included 50 respondents from each large town respectively: Zagreb, Rijeka, Osijek, and Split) show that people are aware of the importance of protection of indigenous animals and plants, and of breeding indigenous breeds in Croatia, that buyers prefer domestically grown ecological products on which they are willing to spend more money, and that there is a demand for ecologically grown food products. Buying of domestic eco-products strengthens and supports Croatian producers, and increases the consumers’ trust in the domestic producers. A good example for the future breeders is provided by the Homeland War veterans Cooperative Pauk-Čeka. It provides an exemplary model of breeding of the Hrvatica hen which meets all the criteria. Breeding of the indigenous Hrvatica hen breed ensures the sustainability of the ecosystem, it provides for the sustainability of rural areas, and ensures continued existence of small holdings