Jusuf Arifagic, a former Bosnian refugee living in Gjøvik, is behind this project.
– Finally, after so many years, I can party with my friends. “I want to say a big thank you to my friends who have supported me,” he said.
It’s no doubt a big day for the man behind the world’s largest NRF warehouse. Norwegian Red Fe was bred by Norwegian farmers in the 1930s.
He collected the first 100 cows from farmers in Eastern Norway almost a year ago, and since then many have started the long journey to Bosnia. Arifagic now has more than 400 cows in his pen, as well as 100 calves.
– I am grateful to the people of Norway, and especially to the Norwegian farmers who helped me collect the cows. “My opinion is that NRF, financially, is the best cow in the world,” he said.
BEST IN THE WORLD: Jusuf Arifagic believes the Norwegian Red Fairy are the best in the world.
Photo: arne sorenes / no
Working together in the warehouse
Jusuf Arifagic from Gjøvik survived internment camps and ethnic cleansing during the war in Bosnia 20 years ago. He left the country in 1992 and came to Norway.
It was with the hope that Norwegian cattle would contribute to economic growth and reconciliation in the Balkans that he started this project. He wanted to give something back to his homeland.
– I want to provide jobs and give people the opportunity to work. “I want the company to give hope back to the community,” said Arifagic, who has employed people from different ethnic backgrounds at the warehouse.
The fact that people from different backgrounds work together is important to create a peaceful future in Bosnia, according to the Norwegian Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Vibeke Lilloe.
– He realized that it is important to think about the future, and you have to forget the past. He also realized that they only had one country to share, and it was important to think about economic development and job creation.
He believes that Arifagic is an inspiration.
He wants to cooperate with everyone. We need more people like him, he explained.
NEW: Jusuf Arifagic in the new pen, before all the cows were moved.
Photo: Arne Sørenes / no
– I’m impressed!
On opening day, the people who care for the animals can see how they are doing.
– I just have to say that I’m impressed. I met Jusuf for the first time in 2012, and he had a lot to say. Many people do this, but not many people implement it, said Northura farm manager Odd Finnesand.
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