Luka Pangos: “Najbolj uspešni kmetje najmanj jamrajo in so najmanj odvisni od subvencij ter državne pomoči” (2. del)

Luka Pangos, former winner of MasterChef Slovenia and now embarking on a career in agriculture, has shared his insights into the challenges faced by successful farmers in Slovenia. In the second part of an interview, he discusses the bureaucratic hurdles, the importance of self-reliance, and the evolving landscape of farming in the country. Pangos, who is establishing his own farm, highlights how the most successful farmers are those who rely less on subsidies and state aid, instead focusing on innovation and diversification. The biggest challenges currently facing Pangos include navigating the complex bureaucracy associated with obtaining permits for building and renovating structures. These processes are not streamlined across different authorities, requiring extensive coordination. For instance, he and his partner each hold partial ownership of all land, which has proven to be a poor decision. With smaller plots per person, they face greater difficulties in securing subsidies. Similarly, investing in infrastructure requires personal ownership to qualify for business-related funding, further complicating matters. Each step in the process takes between 60 to 90 days, and until approvals are finalized, progress stalls. The formal process of becoming a farmer is equally cumbersome, involving everything from registration with the Agricultural Enterprise Register (GERK) and the Ministry of Agriculture (KMG-MID) number to submitting a collective application through advisory services. These procedures are constantly changing, and there is no centralized resource to guide newcomers through them. Working alongside successful farmers, Pangos has observed that the most prosperous ones operate independently, avoiding reliance on government support. They focus on creating value and adapting quickly to market demands. Many have diversified their operations beyond traditional farming, offering tourism, processing, or hospitality services, which provides financial stability even during off-seasons. This approach allows them to maintain a backup plan should one season fail. In general, Pangos believes the perception of farming in Slovenia is somewhat bleak. He notes that the sector is heavily politicized, with many expecting ongoing state assistance. Current major challenges include high costs, climate change, and the difficulty of selling directly to consumers. While many farms produce quality goods, they struggle to find reliable buyers and distribution channels, leading to over-dependence on larger suppliers and markets. Pangos evaluates current agricultural policy as being too focused on grant-based support rather than fostering true independence. He argues that this creates dependency and limits long-term sustainability. Instead, he advocates for policies that encourage self-sufficiency and innovation. Looking ahead, Pangos envisions himself running a well-established farm within five years, serving regular guests with over 60% of the food he produces. Within ten years, he hopes to have recouped at least half of his investment, built a stable agribusiness, and established stronger connections with neighboring farms. He emphasizes the need for collaboration among farmers, suggesting that mutual support and synergy could lead to greater success for all. To young individuals interested in pursuing farming despite the obstacles, Pangos advises taking action if driven by passion. He encourages developing entrepreneurial skills and creativity, while stressing the importance of careful planning and understanding available resources. He recommends starting small, such as cultivating a plot near home with minimal initial investment, to avoid overwhelming oneself early on. Pangos believes the future lies in sustainable agriculture and increased local food production. He sees the growing challenges in food security as a call to raise awareness about self-sufficiency, whether through small gardens, parcels, or full-scale farming. His journey into agriculture, amid rising concerns about the viability of family farms in Slovenia, reflects both personal ambition and a broader vision for the industry’s transformation.