GLASINAC BEEKEEPERS' ASSOCIATION RECEIVES REGISTRATION DECISION FOR ROMANIJA HONEY DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN

MOSTAR, JULY 22 /SRNA/ - The Glasinac Beekeepers' Association has been presented with a registration decision for the Romanija Honey designation of origin, the Food Safety Agency of BiH announced.

A designation of origin refers to a food product whose quality or characteristics are entirely or substantially derived from specific natural and human factors of a particular geographical area, with all stages of production taking place in that area.

In accordance with the product specification prepared by the Glasinac Beekeepers' Association from Sokolac, Romanija honey will be marketed as meadow honey and forest honey, with its physical, chemical and sensory properties meeting the requirements set out in the specification.

Each producer of a product with a protected name, i.e. each user of the designation, as well as every participant in the production, processing and distribution chain listed in the product specification, is required to undergo a procedure to verify compliance with the product specification by an authorised conformity assessment body.

The Romanija region is characterised by specific climatic, soil and vegetation conditions - varying altitudes, a moderate climate and rich flora, which enable the production of high-quality honey.

The Agency stated that this area, which includes mountainous regions and forest complexes, is characterised by a moderate climate and specific microclimatic influences that contribute to exceptionally favourable conditions for plant nectar production during the spring and summer.

"The quality and authenticity of Romanija honey are reflected in its specific physical and chemical properties and the fact that its water content does not exceed 18 percent, which is significantly below the permitted maximum of 20 percent and indicates that it is a mature and stable honey with a low risk of fermentation," the statement explains.

The monograph "Sokolac, from the Illyrians to the Present Day" states that, according to the 1895 census, there were 279 beekeepers and 1,706 beehives in the area of this municipality.

Based on years of experience and knowledge of local microclimatic conditions, beekeepers adjust the timing and locations of their apiaries, monitor the flowering patterns of meadow plants and the occurrence of honeydew in forest ecosystems, and timely separate meadow honey from forest honey through separate extractions.

This method of work preserves the characteristic properties of individual types of Romanija honey, prevents the mixing of honey from different foraging areas, and contributes to the consistent quality of the product.

The knowledge and experience of beekeepers, passed down from generation to generation, represent a key element in preserving the authenticity and distinctiveness of Romanija honey.

The registration decision for the designation of origin was presented by representatives of the Food Safety Agency of BiH to Goran Nešković, president of the Glasinac Beekeepers' Association.