Organized by the Beekeepers' Association "Lipa," the "Fair of Products and Services from Rural Areas – Derventa 2024" took place last weekend in Derventa.
The event, which featured 10 exhibitors, was held at the plaza in front of Derventa’s Retail Park.
"In Derventa, we have about 100 beekeepers, and we form a strong beekeeping community with our number of hives and production. Bees are our 'home pharmacy' from which we can derive many benefits," said Goran Merčep, a representative of the "Lipa" Beekeepers' Association.
The fair showcased traditional products, handmade items, eco-friendly products, honey and bee products, healthy food, medicinal herbs, crafts, and souvenirs.
The Mayor of Derventa, Igor Žunić, who visited the exhibitors, highlighted that the City Administration allocates around 500,000 BAM from the budget for agricultural production, with approximately 60,000 BAM designated for beekeepers.
"The beekeepers have organized themselves well, and this is the third fair of its kind. I believe that in the coming years, we will increase the number of exhibitors and visitors. Derventa is home to about 9,000 bee colonies, and we are a place that cherishes beekeeping production. We have excellent bee products and strong associations," said Žunić.
He emphasized that the goal is to further promote beekeeping and create better conditions for beekeeping activities.
"In the future, our idea is to collaborate with beekeepers' associations to establish a Beekeeping and Tourism Center. This center will be a tourist attraction while also promoting honey products and production itself," Žunić announced.