Beekeeping: 12th Bee Fest from September 10 to 14

From September 10 to 14, 2014, the 12th International Fair of Beekeeping and Beekeeping Equipment – Bee Fest will be held at Trg oslobođenje Alija Izetbegović, with more than 50 exhibitors participating, said Samira Katica – Arnautović from the Fair Directorate for the BH News Agency Patria.

- A good number of beekeepers have registered, and we are very satisfied with how the year has been. This year too, we will have honey from all areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, of different varieties. In addition, we will prepare consultations and an educational segment for our exhibitors on overcoming obstacles in beekeeping – said Katica – Arnautović.

Given that the winter was mild, and the spring and summer had a lot of rainfall, yields were reduced compared to the past few years.

- Due to such weather conditions, bees worked almost all year round and needed feeding, but as beekeepers point out, the quality of honey has not been lacking – said Katica – Arnautović.

She emphasized that beekeepers have their hands full at the apiaries at this time of year, and in some parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, such as Glamoč, Drvar, Livno, Kupres, heather is yielding honey above all expectations, which has also benefited beekeepers who prefer migratory beekeeping.

- Those who are not engaged in migratory beekeeping are preparing for wintering the bees, ensuring enough food because you never know what the winter will be like – she says.

It should be noted that at this Bee Fest, awards for honey quality will also be presented, which will be chosen by visitors along with an expert jury. As explained to us by the Fair Directorate, samples are taken by random selection, they are coded, and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

- There is a process called organoleptics which shows the composition of the honey, what it is made of, determines its smell, taste, and any impurities if present, and decisions are made based on that – said Katica – Arnautović.

In addition to beekeepers, manufacturers of medicinal herbs will also present themselves at the Fair, showcasing a diverse range of products, writes Patria.