Situated in the landscape of Starošince in the Podravje region, the Žitnik family farm stands as a model of sustainable agriculture and a deep-rooted connection to the land. Since planting their first spelt crop in 2012, the Žitnik family has been dedicated to farming practices that honor both the environment and the consumers who value their products.
The farm’s diverse product range extends beyond flour and includes high-quality pumpkin oil, roasted pumpkin seeds, and other locally produced items as well. However, the Žitnik farm is more than just a production site; it serves as a hub for community engagement and tradition. By hosting team-building events and family-friendly gatherings, they provide visitors with unique opportunities to connect with nature and experience the farm’s heritage firsthand.
To ensure their products are accessible to a broad customer base, the Žitnik family leverages multiple distribution channels, including its own farm shop, local farmers’ markets, package lockers in neighboring towns, and a well-established online store. This strategy not only supports direct consumer engagement but also promotes the farm’s commitment to delivering fresh, locally sourced goods.
Most of their raw materials are cultivated on their own fields, with supplemental produce sourced from carefully selected local suppliers to strengthen community ties. They personally handle the transportation of their products using their own vehicle, ensuring each delivery is fresh, flexible, and handled with care.
Environmental responsibility is integral in every aspect of their business model. The farm employs eco-friendly practices, such as systematic waste sorting, rainwater collection for irrigation, and optimized delivery routes to reduce their carbon footprint. Their commitment to sustainability is further reinforced by the use of environmentally conscious packaging materials and green cleaning solutions, reflecting their dedication to protecting the planet.
Every decision made at the Žitnik farm is guided by a vision of a better future, aiming to create a positive impact on both their local community and the broader environment.
SUCCESS FACTORS
Sustainable Farming: The foundation of the Žitnik family farm’s success lies in its dedication to sustainable agricultural practices. Since planting their first spelt in 2012, they have cultivated their 23.3 hectares of fertile land with respect for nature, focusing on methods that honour the environment while producing high-quality crops.
Diverse Product Offering: The farm’s product range extends beyond flour and includes pumpkin oil, roasted pumpkin seeds, and other locally produced goods with the aim of catering to a wide variety of consumer preferences.This diversity enables the farm to meet broad consumer demands while supporting local agriculture and sustainability..
Distribution Channels: The farm’s products are readily available through multiple distribution points, including their own farm shop, local farmers’ markets, package lockers in nearby towns, and an online store. This flexible approach not only ensures product accessibility but also strengthens their connection to local consumers.
Sustainable Logistics:The Žitnik family personally oversees product delivery, utilising their own vehicles to maintain product freshness and reduce carbon emissions through optimised driving routes. This hands-on approach also allows them to strengthen connections with local customers, ensuring timely, eco-friendly delivery that aligns with their sustainability values.
Community Engagement: The Žitnik family farm extends beyond production site; it serves as a community hub where people can reconnect with the land. By organizing team-building events and family-friendly gatherings, they foster a deeper relationship between visitors and nature, passing on knowledge and tradition through immersive experience.
Economic and Social Benefits: Most of the raw materials used by the Žitnik farm are grown on their own fields, with additional ingredients carefully sourced from local suppliers. This focus on local procurement supports regional economies, builds community ties, and guarantees the freshness and quality of their products
Environmental Responsibility: The farm’s dedication to sustainability is reflected in its operations; from waste sorting and rainwater harvesting for irrigation to the use of eco-friendly packaging and green cleaning products, the Žitnik family consistently strives to minimize their environmental impact and promote responsible farming practices