Bileća lake and the Grančarevo dam: drowned villages and the nature around the lake
Bileća lake was formed by the 123 m Grančarevo dam, completed in 1967. The houses, graveyards and roads of Panik, Orah, Čepelica, Zadublje and Miruše lie under it, though Čepelica, Orah and Miruše still have residents. The lake covers about 33 km², and the Somovijada catfish competitions take place at the end of July and the beginning of August.
Dabarsko and Fatničko polje near Berkovići: floods from late autumn to spring and birds
Dabarsko and Fatničko polje near Berkovići are under water from late autumn to spring, and cranes and lapwings stop there on migration. The gaovica fish comes out of the Vrijeka springs in spring and autumn, and the waterfall by Ratkovača runs in winter. A canal for the Dabar hydropower plant, announced for 2027 and 2028, is being built across Dabarsko polje, so flooding may change.
Zelengora and the Sutjeska National Park lakes from Kalinovik: park rules and guest offers
Sutjeska National Park covers 16,052 ha in Foča, Gacko and Kalinovik and is managed by JU NP "Sutjeska". Camping is allowed only at designated sites with park approval, and the 2026 fee decision, marked as a draft, sets entry at 20 KM per adult per day, so confirm amounts with the park. Three places to stay on Zelengora are on the platform, and Kalinovačka kuća sells local products from Kalinovik.
Farmer insurance contributions in Republika Srpska: who pays and how much
A holder of a commercial family farm entered in the Farm Register, aged 50 or less when registering for insurance, pays pension and disability contributions and health contributions. In 2026 the minimum monthly pension and disability contribution is 130.37 KM. Other farm holders pay health contributions only.
Sage, immortelle and lavender in Herzegovina: Republika Srpska support for growing
Republika Srpska pays a premium for sown and sold medicinal and aromatic plants (lavender, sage, immortelle and others) if at least 0.5 ha is sown. The amount is up to 30% of the reference price, at most 25,000 KM per beneficiary per year. Apply to the Agency for Agrarian Payments by 30 November. Wild-collected plants are not supported.
Registering a trademark (žig) in BiH for a local product or guesthouse brand
A trademark (žig) for a product or guesthouse name or logo is registered at the Institute for Intellectual Property of BiH. According to the tariffs the Institute publishes, filing for up to three classes costs 250 KM (200 KM costs plus 50 KM fee), and protection lasts 10 years from filing and is renewable. It is not the same as a geographical indication. A new Law on Trademarks starts to apply in June 2027.
Republika Srpska subsidy for insuring crops, orchards and livestock: up to 60% of the premium
Republika Srpska refunds up to 60% of the insurance premium paid for primary farm production (livestock, fruit and vines, vegetables and field crops), at most 50,000 KM per beneficiary. The claim goes to the Agency for Agrarian Payments by 30 September of the current year, so the 2026 deadline has passed.
Water from a well, spring or river in Republika Srpska: permits you may need
Water from your own well or spring for household needs needs no permit. Irrigation as a business and water for tourist accommodation need water-law acts. For abstraction of 5 l/s or more, and for irrigation works, pools and business buildings, Vode Srpske decides; for smaller abstractions the municipality does.
Farm tastings and events in Republika Srpska: when to notify the police
A gathering held to earn income that needs special security measures (a "public event") must be reported to the police at least 7 days ahead. Free gatherings are not reported unless the crowd needs extraordinary security (5 days ahead). Loud music in quiet hours is fined separately. Check catering and municipal permits with your municipality.
Registering accommodation in the eTurizam system (CISU), Republika Srpska
Every host who provides accommodation in Republika Srpska must register in the Central Information System in hospitality (CISU, eTurizam). Access is free. Not entering data, or entering it late or wrongly, is fined from 300 to 6,000 KM, and a natural person from 500 to 2,000 KM. Registration is also required for tourist vouchers.
Republika Srpska support for on-farm processing: conditions, share and maximum amount
In 2026 Republika Srpska refunds 40% (20% for non-commercial farms) of eligible costs of processing equipment and new processing buildings, capped at 50,000 to 200,000 KM. The 2026 call closed on 6 May; applicants with a reservation decision must invest and file the payment request by 15 October 2026.
Photos and description for your farm or guesthouse Google profile: what the rules ask
Google accepts JPG and PNG business photos from 10 KB to 5 MB, recommended 720 x 720 pixels, without heavy filters. The description should be honest and contain no prices, promotions or links. A phone and good light are enough.
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