Digital Agriculture Training for Beekeepers Held in Bosanski Petrovac

A one-day training session on Digital Agriculture was held in Bosanski Petrovac, aimed at empowering members of the Beekeepers Association Nucleus with essential digital skills to revolutionize their beekeeping practices.

The training provided a comprehensive overview of digital agriculture, including the Internet of Things in agriculture, building a digital presence, and implementing specific digital solutions for beekeeping. Participants were also able to learn about the significance of geographical indications and the process for acquiring quality certification labels from food engineering expert Selma Kunić.

“Quality certification labels add significant value to a product and distinguish it in the market. For instance, with honey, there is always the question of authenticity. Such labels are backed by a control system that verifies the product’s geographical origin and ensures its authenticity, thereby building additional consumer trust,” Kunić explained.

In addition, participants learned strategies to enhance their digital presence and marketing efforts to better engage with their target audiences. The session equipped attendees with the knowledge and digital tools to optimize their beekeeping operations and boost productivity.

Biljana Grbić of the Beekeepers Association Nucleus noted that the digital solutions presented at the training session would be immensely beneficial for their family apiary, especially in situations involving bear attacks or natural damage. “Since we are not always present at the apiary in the countryside, these digital solutions will provide valuable control when we are not there,” she added.

By the end of the session, participants had gained valuable skills in integrating digital technologies into their agricultural practices, enhancing productivity, efficiency, and marketability. The knowledge acquired is expected to have a lasting impact, helping beekeepers adopt innovative approaches and contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector.

The training was organized by UN Women and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as part of the “Women Driving Resilience in Agriculture and Rural Areas” project, supported by Sweden.