Entrepreneurs and family businesses are generally able to respond and adjust more quickly than others given their agility and flexibility
Apart from having serious implications for people’s health, COVID-19 is significantly impacting businesses and the economy. The long-term consequences of COVID-19 are still uncertain, but one thing is clear – leaders need much more imagination than before the pandemic to preserve the health of their employees and clients, provide cash and liquidity, and make changes in their operations and processes.
Entrepreneurs and family businesses are generally able to respond and adjust more quickly than others given their agility and flexibility.
We are now focused on continued research and market placement of one of the youngest and most promising fields of application of Biochar-Carbohran which is used in animal husbandry as a food additive. Very clean and carbon-rich charcoal is required in order for it to be approved by the EU regulation. Our charcoal also has the European Biochar Certificate (EBC) for animal food.
Today, 80 % of the Biochar produced in Europe is applied in animal husbandry.
Because of its crystalline structure, Biochar will not degrade in the animal’s stomach but will accumulate in manure. There it gets charged with nutrients, prevents purification and enormously increases the fertilizing value (organic farming). Furthermore, methane production decreases and nitrogen losses are reduced. Biochar is permitted for use in conventional cattle farming and it is permitted for use as an additive for certified organic agriculture (BIO) in several countries.
Despite the COVID-19 contagion, we did not reduce our production output but have rather implemented specific crisis management annexes thanks to which we can coordinate with local authorities to provide an effective response to the pandemic threats.
“We are now focused on continued research and market placement of one of the youngest and most promising fields of application of Biochar-Carbohran”
Besides that, we think that it’s important to recognize socially responsible companies, encourage their work and show other organizations how they can successfully incorporate social well-being into their mission. In addition to the green economy, as an important tool for our sustainable development, facilitating employee gift matching and allowing paid time off to volunteer, Basna has also partnered with the Rotary Club. Both Basna’s owners are members of the Rotary Club in Čačak.
Last month, the Institute of Public Health in Čačak, which is the only independent microbiological diagnostic laboratory that provides a multitude of services and cares about the public health of the residents of the Morava District, has approached the Rotary Club in Čačak in writing asking for the help in the shape of the equipment for the PCR testging laboratory with the aim of ensuring reliable diagnostics and better control and prevention of the COVID-19 contagion, as well as with the aim of providing better detection of various causes of the disease today.
The Morava District, which is located in Western Serbia and has the population of over 220,000 residents, doesn’t have a laboratory which is equipped for the COVID-19 testing and which is nowadays considered absolutely necessary.
Based on the performed analyses and the consultation with the scientists, as well as recognizing the required infrastructure and the needs of the community, the Rotary Club in Čačak has made a decision to supply this equipment.
With the support of the Rotary Foundation, the friends of the Rotary organization, the business community and the local government, the project can be implemented with a high degree of certainty, as it is significant not only for our local community, but also is considered a national and global priority.
Our company got involved in this project since we are aware that the supply of the PCR testing apparatus and the ancillary equipment is the biggest priority for the residents in order to promptly and successfully protect them from the further spreading of the disease.
Basna is a Swiss company, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Čačak, which is engaged in the conversion of biomass into heat and high quality charcoal. The company’s vision is to implement sustainable, environmentally friendly technology in Serbia. Balz and Vesna Baur, the proprietors of this internationally renowned export-oriented company, advocate accountable business policy through the responsible treatment of the local community and environment. They would like to thank the Swiss Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Philippe Guex, for his fruitful cooperation, and voice their wish for continuing prosperity. The company is a member of the Swiss-Serbian Chamber of Commerce.