Who We Are

Bridging European Standards
& Local Realities

RC ARGONET is a non-profit association established in 2009, headquartered in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina — delivering evidence-based initiatives for sustainable development.

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Who We Are

RC ARGONET

RC ARGONET is a non-profit association established in 2009, headquartered in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. We design and implement projects that drive practical, measurable improvements for communities, institutions, and value chains — bridging European standards and local realities through partnerships, evidence, and hands-on delivery.

We collaborate with public institutions, civil society, academia, and the private sector to turn strategies, policies, and research into real-world solutions — transparent, auditable, and impact-focused.

Sustainable Agriculture Green Transition EU Integration Public Policy Training Digital Tools Transparency & Traceability Data & Accountability Partnerships & Delivery

Our Mission

To improve quality of life and inclusive socio-economic development in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider European neighborhood by delivering evidence-based initiatives that strengthen communities, foster innovation, advance skills and employability, and accelerate the transition to a sustainable, digital, and resilient society.

Our Vision

A Bosnia and Herzegovina fully integrated into European innovation, education, and civic ecosystems — where opportunities are equitable, institutions and markets operate transparently and responsibly, and sustainable development is achieved through collaboration, digital transformation, and shared European values.

Our Work Spans

Five Program Units

Sustainable Development & Green Transition

Sustainable agriculture, circular economy, and EU environmental policy implementation (GlobalG.A.P. & Organic standards).

Public Policy & EU Integration

Policy and regulatory analysis, EU alignment, advocacy, and civil society capacity building.

Education & Capacity Building

Training programs, non-formal education, manuals, workshops, and knowledge transfer.

Digitalization, Innovation & Data

Digital transformation, tools for transparency/traceability, and accountability reporting.

Projects & Partnerships

Proposal development, project coordination, consortium management, and donor compliance (USAID, GIZ, EU).

Governance

Organizational Structure

A clear, accountable governance model based on RACI logic ensures effective delivery and transparent reporting across all levels.

Assembly

Accountable — Ultimate Authority

Adopts strategic documents, oversees operations, and reviews annual reports.

President

Accountable & Responsible

Executive leadership, approves work plans, and represents the organization to partners.

Programme Coordinators

Responsible — Task Execution

Plan and execute activities, manage project portfolios, and deliver results.

High Council

Consulted — Strategic Input

Provides strategic recommendations without operational reporting duties.

Partners & Donors

Informed

Receive progress updates through regular project and financial reporting.

Gender Equality

Gender Equality Plan

Our EU-grade Gender Equality Plan (2026–2028) is publicly available and ensures institutional commitment to inclusion, equity, and a safe working environment.

Committed to Equality & Inclusion

RC ARGONET's GEP is aligned with Horizon Europe expectations — featuring dedicated resources, gender-disaggregated data collection, staff training, and measurable actions. The plan covers all staff, contractors, and anyone representing us in projects and events.

With zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, we embed gender mainstreaming at every level — from governance and recruitment to project design and delivery.

1

Work-Life Balance & Inclusive Culture

2

Gender Balance in Leadership

3

Equality in Recruitment & Career Development

4

Gender Dimension in Projects & Services

5

Measures Against Gender-Based Violence

Our Principles

What Guides Us

Our work is grounded in core principles that ensure integrity, impact, and alignment with European standards.

Transparency

Open processes, public documents, and honest reporting to all stakeholders.

Sustainability

Environmental responsibility and long-term impact in everything we do.

Equal Opportunity

Inclusion, equity, and zero tolerance for discrimination at all levels.

European Values

Democratic governance, human rights, and alignment with the EU acquis.

Expertise

Our Experts

PhD Branka Zolak Poljašević

PhD Branka Zolak Poljašević

Sustainable Development

PhD Slavko Simić

PhD Slavko Simić

Public Policy & EU Integration

PhD Siniša Tomić

PhD Siniša Tomić

Education & Training

PhD Branko Marković

PhD Branko Marković

Projects & Partnerships

BSc. Mile Gluvačević

BSc. Mile Gluvačević

Projects & Partnerships

Impact

Featured Projects

Value Chains

Raspberry Producers & Advisors

IFAD (2011–2020)

Solution: Strengthened raspberry value chain performance and local advisory capacity through long-term training.

20Trainings
300Producers
5Municips.

Role: Partner

Partners: APCU (Lead) + RC ARGONET

Urban Ag.

Urban Agriculture Pilot Models

USAID / SIDA FARMA 2 (2017–2019)

Solution: Piloted practical urban agriculture models through multi-partner implementation to improve food resilience.

12Trainings
40Producers
1Coop

Role: Lead

Partners: Caritas + GOPA + RC ARGONET

Employment

Local Employment Partnerships

ILO (2017–2019)

Solution: Piloted practical urban agriculture models through training to improve local food resilience and employment.

12Trainings
40Producers
2Municips.

Role: Partner

Partners: Faculty of Ag. (Lead) + RC ARGONET

Standards

Implementation of GlobalG.A.P. Standard

USAID FARMA II (2016–2017)

Solution: Supported farm-level implementation of GlobalG.A.P. requirements to improve compliance and market readiness in BiH.

10Trainings
50Farmers
5Coops

Role: Lead

Partners: OK Kontrola + RC ARGONET

Innovation

SmartStart — CPCD

EU / CPCD (2016–2017)

Solution: Strengthened civil society impact through social entrepreneurship and innovation trainings and tools.

4Trainings
60Trainees
4Countries

Role: Beneficiary

Partners: CPCD (Lead) + RC ARGONET

Rural Dev.

Cooperative Capacity Building

CRS (2016–2017)

Solution: Strengthened cooperative operations and community economic cooperation through practical training.

2Trainings
30Farmers
2Municips.

Role: Lead

Partners: CRS + RC ARGONET

Market Access

B2B Marketing & Matchmaking

GIZ ProLocal (2015–2017)

Solution: Improved market access for fruit producers and exporters through targeted capacity building and B2B matchmaking.

12Trainings
240Producers
3Coops

Role: Partner

Partners: GIZ ProLocal + RC ARGONET

Research

Market Research — Fresh Apple & Plum

GIZ ProLocal (2015–2017)

Solution: Delivered evidence for export planning by analyzing apple/plum markets and BiH competitiveness in the EU.

4Papers
6Countries
1Analysis

Role: Partner

Partners: GIZ ProLocal + RC ARGONET

Insights

Market Niches & Consumer Preferences

GIZ ProLocal (2015–2017)

Solution: Identified and promoted market niches in BiH and EU through moderated workshops and evidence-based insights.

4Workshops
66Participants
12Briefs

Role: Partner

Partners: GIZ ProLocal + RC ARGONET

Systems

Support to Advisory Services Improvement

GIZ ProLocal (2015–2017)

Solution: Strengthened professional advisory services through needs mapping, module development, and mentoring support.

4Study Tours
12Mentoring
1Module

Role: Partner

Partners: GIZ ProLocal + RC ARGONET

Food Safety

Food Safety Standards (GlobalG.A.P.)

CARD Banja Luka (2015–2017)

Solution: Built food-safety capacity for beneficiaries and strengthened CARD staff expertise through structured trainings.

7Trainings
250Farmers
12Staff

Role: Lead

Partners: CARD + RC ARGONET

Production

Training of Fruit Farmers

World Vision (2015–2017)

Solution: Increased adoption of modern production techniques through practical trainings for fruit farmers and cooperatives.

2Trainings
40Farmers
2Coops

Role: Lead

Partners: World Vision + RC ARGONET

Organic

Implementation of Organic Standard

USAID FARMA II (2014–2015)

Solution: Supported farm-level organic standard implementation to improve product integrity and market access.

120Trainings
56Farms
2Coops

Role: Lead

Partners: OK Kontrola + RC ARGONET

Education

Education of Youth in Agribusiness

KULT / SDC (2010–2011)

Solution: Strengthened modern production skills of youth/students through trainings in planning and orchard practices.

12Practicals
30Students
4Sessions

Role: Lead

Partners: KULT + Faculty of Ag. + RC ARGONET

Compliance

GlobalG.A.P. — ACED Beneficiaries

ACED (2010–2011)

Solution: Implemented GlobalG.A.P. requirements for selected beneficiaries to improve farm market readiness.

12Trainings
12Farms
1Coop

Role: Lead

Partners: ACED + RC ARGONET

Gender Equality Commitment

RC Argonet has officially adopted its Gender Equality Plan (GEP) for 2026–2028, reinforcing our commitment to an inclusive work environment in full alignment with Horizon Europe requirements.

Download GEP Plan (PDF)

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