JemsInnovative Solutions for Enhancing Beekeeping Processes and Modernizing Support in Apiculture in cross border region of CRO and SRB (INNOBEE)
Priority Axis 1: Cooperating for smarter programme area
Operation start date: 15 January 2026
Operation completion date: 14 January 2028
Budget: EUR 940.501,45
Number of partners: 4
Operation purpose and expected achievements:
The overall project objective is the education of beekeepers to increase their knowledge and skills by allowing the adoption of innovative solutions in their daily work. Moreover, a joint cross-border centre for apiculture support will be established by constructing and adapting facilities, which will serve as an educational and technological centre for apiculturists in the CB area and which will contribute to the improvement of cooperation between research and scientific institutions and entrepreneurs/associations/SMEs.
The project promotes investment in modern technology, such as modern equipment for the newly established cross-border centre to become a centre of excellence in the field, smart beehives to allow monitoring the condition of bees in real time, or the application of digital technologies (website and mobile app) to allow beekeepers to efficiently manage their daily operations, anytime and from anywhere.
Beneficiaries:
The Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek (HR), as Lead Partner in this project will ensure effective communication, timely progress, and successful implementation of project activities. The FAZOS beekeeping team has extensive expertise and experience in various aspects of beekeeping, including bee health, sustainable management practices, bee breeding and the production of bee products, and will contribute significantly to the implementation of innovative solutions in beekeeping sector, i.e. development of protocol for innovative treatments in beekeeping, implementation of innovative summer and winter treatments, drafting of a conclusion on the effectiveness of the summer and winter treatments and development of guidelines for beekeepers on innovative summer and winter treatments. FAZOS will be responsible for the establishment of the branch of the CB center for apiculture support in Croatia, focusing on research, innovation, and technology transfer tailored to regional conditions. The Center will develop advanced beekeeping practices, enhance sector resilience, and raise awareness about pollinator protection and sustainable agriculture. Additionally, FAZOS will focus on strengthening and modernizing support services for beekeepers through activities such as educating beekeepers, development of the center’s website and application, as well as public awareness raising and promotional activities.
The University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Agriculture (RS) will contribute significantly to the implementation of innovative solutions in beekeeping sector, i.e. development of protocol for innovative treatments in beekeeping, implementation of the pilot project involving the investigation of brood interruption methods as a biotechnical approach to combat Varroa mite infestations, drafting of a conclusion on the effectiveness of the summer and winter treatments and development of guideline for beekeepers on innovative summer and winter treatments. Furthermore, UNSFA will be responsible for the establishment of the branch of the CB center for apiculture support in Serbia, dedicated to education and research in beekeeping in the Vojvodina region. UNSFA will be engaged in the adaption of the center, which will serve for scientific research, education and dissemination of knowledge in the field of beekeeping. Based on its expertise in providing training and education on sustainable beekeeping practices, UNSFA will contribute by creating educational material and running educational workshops for beekeepers. These activities will contribute to spreading awareness and new knowledge about sustainable solutions for Varroa management.
The Scientific Veterinary Institute „Novi Sad“ (RS) will participate in development of the protocol for innovative summer and winter treatments in beekeeping and specific treatments will be applied at two apiaries located at two sites (Fruška Gora and Titelski Breg) with the application of modern treatments and monitoring to effectively control viruses and other pathogens, thereby directly contributing to the health of bees and the productivity of bee colonies.
Key activities of SVINS include virusological analyses of bee colonies. SVINS will sample bees for molecular testing to detect the presence of viral genomes associated with bee diseases, as well as pathogens responsible for nosemosis at three points during the project (spring, summer and autumn).
The SVINS will also be engaged in collecting hornet samples from different locations and testing them for the presence of bee viruses. Additionally, monitoring of the Asian hornet (Vespa orientalis), which poses a significant threat to bee colonies, will be carried out. These activities are crucial for protecting bees and maintaining ecological balance.
The Fund for European Affairs and Development of AP Vojvodina (RS) will participate in the development of protocol and guideline for innovative treatments in beekeeping. Based on its experience in linking public, private and civil sectors, FEP will participate in the coordination and organization of project events (educational workshops, study tour, round tables, info days, project promotion at the fair), as well as in the project promotion and dissemination activities (development of promotional material and video, media coverage). To enhance the work of the joint cross-border centre for apiculture support, FEP will be responsible for the development of the mobile app, specifically for its technical design and functionality.
Recently the INNOBEE project team convened in Novi Sad for its first two project meetings, marking an important step in … Read More