TADEJ BEOČANIN

MAYOR OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF AJDOVŠČINA

The Ajdovščina Municipality is the economic, educational and cultural centre of the Vipava Valley. Located in the western part of Slovenia, at the strategically vital crossing point between the west and east of Europe, the Ajdovščina Municipality stands out in the wider region for its economic performance, high standard of living and social responsibility.

According to the ISSO (Information System of Slovenian Municipalities) composite index, Ajdovščina ranks third among all the Slovenian municipalities. It is worth noting that it is the first and so far the only municipality in Slovenia to rank above average in all eight areas comprising the ISSO analysis.

Over the last ten years, the Ajdovščina Municipality has experienced positive population growth – close to one percent annually; whereas its thriving economy is best illustrated by the nearly 80% increase in the number of jobs.

Situated in western Slovenia on the border with Italy (80 km from Ljubljana and 150 km from Venice), the Municipality of Ajdovščina is the economic, educational and cultural centre of the Vipava Valley.

Fertile soil, a strong influence of the Mediterranean climate, an abundance of water resources coupled with a favourable transport position created the ideal conditions for the development of agricultural activities, industry and entrepreneurship.

A specific feature of the Vipava Valley is the burja – a northeast wind that scatters the clouds and clears the air. As a result, the valley enjoys 2,100 hours of sun a year, with the temperatures hovering over the temperature threshold of 5 degrees Celsius for 289 days out of a year, meaning that the vegetation period lasts two months longer than further inland.

The favourable natural conditions are perfect for growing vines (which in turn produce premium wines), native Vipava cherries, apricots and peaches, which are ripe earlier than elsewhere in Slovenia.

As a result, a strong and continuously growing food processing industry developed in this region. Today it is represented by successful companies such as Mlinotest, Fructal, Incom, Tosla, Pelicon Brewery etc. Meanwhile, the wood and textile industry along with construction ran into difficulties; what is left of them today is technical expertise and a number of experts with technical background. Lately, the region has also seen a spread of high-tech businesses like Pipistrel, C-Astral and BIA Separations.