The significant centenary of 100 years of cooperation in Novi Bečej is the occasion for the publication of this Commemorative Book. In order to preserve from oblivion everything that preceded today's Agricultural Cooperative "Vranjevo," it is necessary to reflect on what has been.
In a very engaging, narratively unforced, and accessible manner, the Commemorative Book presents the development of the Cooperative from its foundation to the present day.
The formation of cooperatives among peasants emerged under very challenging conditions for the survival of small rural holdings. The primary need for money (working capital), organized procurement, and the sale of goods was evident. The early cooperatives also played an educational role in rural areas, a significant function given the high illiteracy rate among the rural population at that time.
Over the course of a century, cooperation has experienced ups and downs, but the necessity for its existence has preserved this form of combining ideas and capital.
The most challenging period for cooperation in our conditions was immediately after World War II, up until 1989. During this time, various pressures were exerted on rural areas and peasants, threatening to suppress independent agricultural production on peasant holdings.
Between 1945 and 1955, many cooperatives were formed in various branches of agriculture, but over time, they either transformed into enterprises or were merged with agricultural cooperatives due to financial losses, as was the case with all peasant working cooperatives.
The formation, operation, and dissolution of cooperatives were under significant and direct influence of the prevailing political conditions, administered through the District and County Union of Cooperatives.
A political order was issued to separate the economy from the cooperative (1963) and form the Agricultural Enterprise "Sokolac." In 1969, the cooperative merged with "Sokolac," giving rise to the agricultural conglomerate "Biserno ostrvo."
From 1969 to 1989, there was no Cooperative; instead, there was the Autonomous Social Organization for Associated Labor (OOUR) "Kooperacija." This period had both positive and negative aspects for peasants, but it was disastrous for cooperation.
With the adoption of the Cooperative Law of the Republic of Serbia in 1989, legal conditions were created for the re-registration of cooperatives.
It is important to note that from the registration of the first Serbian Agricultural Cooperative in Arač to the present day, the Agricultural Cooperative "Vranjevo" (as its legal successor) has not changed its function, regardless of how it was registered in the given circumstances.
The organization and improvement of agricultural production on peasant estates have remained the fundamental tasks of this cooperative.
At this point, we need to remember and highlight the efforts of those individuals who contributed to the improvement and preservation of everything that Agricultural Cooperative "Vranjevo" represents today. Gratitude must be expressed to all cooperators, members, employees, and leaders who, through their dedicated work, have preserved this cooperative.
Significant contributions to the Cooperative's work were made by its managers and directors, including Karapandžin Stanko, Ivančev Vojislav, Kelemen Zoltan, Felbab Branko, Boberić Stevan, Đukanović Živorad, Neatnica Stevan, Dujin Georgije, and many others, without whose versatile dedication the existence of this cooperative and its development would certainly be different.
Today, "Vranjevo" has 154 members and over 200 associates. In total, there are 21 employees, including 3 with higher education, 10 with secondary education, and 8 workers with a third-degree vocational qualification.
This book is faithful to life but also serves as a document.
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