Natalia Poljak, a farmer from Glava, will represent the Split-Dalmatia County in this year's contest for the Most Admired Croatian Country Woman, which will take place on 3 October in Ilok. Poljak has been the head of her own family farm since 2017, and is a mother of four children – three daughters and a son – while working in agriculture.
On approximately eight hectares of land, she grows seasonal vegetables, potatoes, beans, and courgettes, and also raises livestock. She sells her produce directly to customers, at the doorstep, as well as at her own stall in Split. In addition to working on the farm, she regularly attends training and professional development courses in the field of agriculture.
The wider public was introduced to her two years ago, when viewers of RTL saw the farmer from Glava in the 'Večera za 5' programme. At that time, she explained that the farm was her source of income, and she highlighted: 'You need love and great will'. She applied to the programme primarily for the social interaction and love of cooking.
She prepared veal stew with homemade gnocchi and a pancake cake for the guests, and the evening ended with a maximum of 40 points. The contest for the Most Admired Croatian Country Woman has been held for 26 years and aims to promote women who, through their work, maintain agricultural holdings, contribute to their local communities, and preserve the rural way of life and cultural heritage.
In addition to the judges' selection, this year a vote by the readers of 24sata has been introduced for a special public award. The voting takes place until 1 October at 23:59, and Natalia Poljak will travel to Ilok.
