Susanne Lucic from Šmrika will represent the Primorsko-Gorska County at the 26th election of the Most Exemplary Croatian Rural Woman, which takes place on 3 October. In this way, Šmrika will receive its representative in Ilok at the beginning of October.
Susanne Lucich is the head of the family farm OPG Suzi, and is known to many as Suzi from the Donkey Farm in Šmrika. The story of the Lucich family and their farm began fifteen years ago, and the initial aim was to preserve the Primorsko-dinars donkey. Over time, the family farm has grown around the donkey, now combining agriculture, education, and rural tourism, while seeking to preserve and pass on the traditions and identity of their region.
The farm is particularly known for its work with children and families. Through visits to the farm, educational programmes, workshops, and guided walks with donkeys, the youngest are introduced to the animals, nature, and rural life, as well as the local heritage and the specificities of the region where they grow up. OPG Suzi also participates in projects, events, and collaborations that link agriculture, tourism, gastronomy, and local heritage.
Susanne's children have grown up with the farm, and the sons are now taking on an increasing share of the daily work on the farm, developing new content together with the family. Susanne wishes to bring to Ilok the message that young people can stay, work, and build their future on a family farm. Through her exhibition space, she presents rural Kvarn with the sea, life, and work among the stone, the bura, and the local mist, all supported by the local community of Kraljević.
The farm is a partner in the project Kvarn – European Region of Gastronomy 2026, based on a signed cooperation agreement, and participates in the joint presentation and promotion of the gastronomic and rural identity of Kvarn. Among the presentations was the Mozaik of Flavors of Kvarn – Kvarn at the Table in the Export House, where Kraljević presented its traditional dishes and local products, among which was the donkey milk from the Donkey Farm in Šmrika. The OPG is also included in the story of the Mozaik of the City of Rijeka and the Rijeka Ring.
The OPG has received the Golden Certificate of the Sunflower of Rural Tourism in 2025, and Susanne Lucich has won first place in the first competition in the preparation of traditional Šmrika mendula in 2026. This year, the OPG was selected as the representative of the Primorsko-Gorska County in the national project 'Golden Value', the best Croatian family farms. The city of Kraljević invites its citizens, friends of Kraljević and Kvarn, and all who know and follow this family story from Šmrika to support Susanne Lucich with their vote.
