Agrozem Advisory Service organized a study tourto Slovenia for the Association of Beekeepers from Aleksinac (32 members) and 5 members of Zdravo Mleko Association from Razanj, from April 2-6, 2012.

The objective of this study tour was introduction to activities of Beekeepers Associations from Slovenia, as well as the special programs they are implementing in cooperation with Municipalities, Regional Development Agencies and the private sector. An additional agenda was organized for the members of Cattle Breeders Association who had the chance to visit several farms for cattle breeding and milk production during one day.

During the study tour, the beekeepers visited several Slovenian Associations of Beekeepers, like Association from Visnja Gora and Kocevski rog, but they were also hosted by the Slovenian Union of Beekeepers in BrdonearLukovica. There the participants visited the training centre and discussed opportunities of cooperation between the two Unions, as well as between individual Associations, especially in the field of preparing joint projects that could be financed by the European Union.

The participants were especially interested in learning about history of beekeeping in Slovenia and how the tradition and history can be presented to tourists and other interested parties. The concept of added value in beekeeping, in the form of beekeeping tourism or production of special boutique honey products is well-developed in Slovenia, as the Association of Beekeepers Aleksinac members had a chance to see. They also had the chance to learn about the way these concepts are developed.

The visit to Kmetijska School Grmin Novo Mesto was very interesting, too, as there are various production and educative programs, from production of milk, meat, fruit, hone they, to activities related to cooperation with general population like riding lessons, various competitions organized bythe School, etc.

During the last day of the study tour, the kind hosts invited all the guests to tasting of Cvicek wine, which has protected geographic origin and is one of the main touristic products of this part of Slovenia.