IGOR DRAGIĆ NAMED QUALITY CHAMPION AT 18TH INTERNATIONAL HONEY FAIR IN VIŠEGRAD

Igor Dragić from Višegrad has won the prestigious Golden Cup for Quality Champion at the 18th International Honey, Beekeeping Products and Equipment Fair in Višegrad, where an expert jury evaluated 167 honey samples.

PHOTO: SRNA

The highest award was presented to Dragić in recognition of the exceptional quality of his honey, further confirming the high standard of beekeeping products from the Višegrad area.

FROM PASSION TO PROFESSION

Dragić said that he entered the world of beekeeping out of love for bees, but that the hobby has gradually developed into a profession.

“I started beekeeping out of love, but it has now also become my job. I have bees and devote as much attention to them as possible. I work with dedication, and this award is recognition of that effort,” Dragić told reporters.

TOP HONEY PRODUCERS RECOGNISED

The fair brought together beekeepers from the region, with awards presented in several categories.

In the forest honey category, gold medals went to Dragica Milkovska from Štip and Mirjana Ivanovska from Makedonska Kamenica in North Macedonia. The silver medal was awarded to Svetomir Stanković from Niš, while bronze medals went to Dobrosav Milovanović from Niš and Kosta Šumar from Pale.

In the linden honey category, the gold medal was won by Radiša Mijatović from Kosjerić, Serbia. Jonče Dodevski from Skopje received silver, while the bronze medal went to Zimonjić Beekeeping from Brčko.

The acacia honey category saw gold awarded to Ljubiša Stolica from East New Sarajevo. Silver medals went to Joviša Obradović from Užice and Nenad Bjelica from East New Sarajevo, while Blagoje Matović from Užice won bronze.

In the meadow honey category, Siniša Maletić from Gradiška won gold, Slobodan Dvev from Bogdanci received silver, and Nedeljko Zubac from Višegrad won the bronze medal.

A MAJOR RECOGNITION FOR VIŠEGRAD BEEKEEPERS

Aleksandar Masal, president of the Višegrad Beekeepers' Association, said it was particularly significant that the Golden Cup went to a member of the local association.

According to Masal, the award is an important confirmation of the quality of honey produced in the Višegrad municipality and recognition of the dedication of local beekeepers.

BEEKEEPING AS A TRADITION AND WAY OF LIFE

Višegrad Mayor Mladen Đurević, who officially opened the fair, said that beekeeping represents much more than simply producing honey.

“Beekeeping is a tradition passed down from generation to generation. It represents dedication, patience and love for nature, while beekeepers are its guardians,” Đurević said.

Dragan Bajatović from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Srpska, who was also a member of the judging panel, praised the organisation of the event and the quality of the products submitted for evaluation.

FAIR CONTINUES WITH EXHIBITION AND SALES

The second day of the event will continue with the exhibition and sales programme, while a practical demonstration for beekeepers is also planned.

The demonstration will be held at one of the apiaries operated by a member of the Višegrad Beekeepers' Association, providing participants with an opportunity to exchange practical knowledge and experience.