By: STA, C. R.
Ponikva near Šentjur hosted the 22nd All-Slovenian Farmers’ Gathering. The guiding thought of the event was a quote by Blessed Anton Martin Slomšek: “The present time is the price of eternity,” through which the organisers highlighted the importance of farmers and agriculture. President Nataša Pirc Musar stated that the Slovenian farmer is not only a food producer, but also a guardian of the landscape and a bearer of tradition.
The gathering began with a holy mass at the Church of St. Martin in Ponikva, celebrated by retired Archbishop of Ljubljana Anton Stres. “One of the farmer’s virtues is responsibility toward nature. A farmer lives with nature, admires and respects it. He knows he is its steward, that nature is not to be played with or underestimated, but respected and treated in harmony,” his words were quoted by the Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry of Slovenia (KGZS).
Evangelical Bishop Leon Novak added that the countryside is a space of connection. “Where families preserve the land, values are also passed on – work ethic, respect for nature, and a sense of community,” he emphasised.
The guiding thought of this year’s gathering was a quote by Blessed Anton Martin Slomšek: “The present time is the price of eternity.” As stated by KGZS, this message was chosen to reinforce awareness of the importance of farmers and agriculture, their mission to produce food, manage land responsibly, steward natural resources, preserve rural communities, and lay the foundations for future generations. Slomšek is considered the patron of Slovenian agriculture and agricultural literature.
“Today we are not just celebrating an annual gathering, but perseverance, dedication, and love for the land. The land does not forget those who respect it. Your loyalty to the land is something sacred, something our society must honour. Many today wonder about the future of the countryside. It will endure as long as there are people like you, who do not give up at the first storm, who turn modest means into something great,” said KGZS President Jože Podgoršek at the ceremonial event in front of Slomšek’s birthplace in Slom.
President Nataša Pirc Musar emphasised that farmers, through hard work, write the daily story of Slovenian rural life, a story marked by uncertainty. “The Slovenian farmer is not just a food producer, but a guardian of the landscape and a bearer of tradition. I will do everything to ensure Slovenian agriculture is heard and that farmers are not left to face sustainable development alone,” she was quoted by KGZS.
Today’s guest was parish priest Martin Golob, who highlighted the importance of inner resolve. “Farmers miss basic respect. But we will earn it if we respect ourselves. Dear farmers, carry pride within you and persevere,” he said.
In addition to KGZS, the event was organised with the support of the Municipality of Šentjur, the Parish of Ponikva, members of rural women’s associations, the Ponikva fire brigade, and numerous volunteers.