OPG Vlaić from Skradinsko polje is a multi-generational family farm that dates back to 1889, when Josip's great-grandfather moved from Miljevci. For a long time, the family was involved in viticulture, but today they are primarily dedicated to cultivating figs, olives, and jujubes. Josip worked in the vineyard with his father from a young age and took over the farm's management after his father retired.
Today, OPG Vlaić has 250 fig trees, 50 jujube trees, and 160 olive trees. The figs are traditionally sun-dried. Alongside their predominantly black figs, known for their sweetness, the family also produces olive oil, almonds, jams, marmalades, and liqueurs, using homegrown seeds and natural, pesticide-free methods.
After the war, the family returned to Skradinsko polje in 1998 and began to rebuild their home. Initially, they sold vegetables and fruit, then chrysanthemums, before realizing the potential of figs. Although they don't have an irrigation system, the land is fertile. The produce is hand-processed and can be preserved to last the entire year. The seasonality of their production makes a regular supply to restaurants challenging.
Josip points out challenges with state administration, the high cost of renting market stalls, and unfair competition from shopping centers selling cheap imported products. As a restaurant owner on the island of Kaprije, he is well-acquainted with supply difficulties and believes that production continuity is crucial for integrating family farms (OPGs) into the offerings of the hospitality sector.
Despite the challenges, Josip is satisfied with a life that combines agriculture, tourism, and hospitality, appreciating the security and fulfillment of working on his own land.