JemsA kick-off conference for the strategic EU project “SATECON”, implemented within the framework of the cross-border program Interreg IPA Croatia–Bosnia and Herzegovina–Montenegro, was held today in Kotor at the Institute of Marine Biology.
Speakers at the event included the project coordinator, Prof. Dr. Stjepan Bogdan from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing in Zagreb; Nevena Marilović from the Directorate for European Integration of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Biljana Papović, State Secretary at the Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro; State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Montenegro, Miroslav Cimbaljević and Marko Opančar, Head of Sector for coordination of European Territorial Cooperation Programmes and Macro-Regional Strategies at the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds of the Republic of Croatia.
The goal of the “Smart AgriTech Connect – SATECON” project is to enhance agricultural competitiveness in the border regions of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro through the development of smart agriculture. The lead partner of the project is the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing in Zagreb, which will coordinate the work of eight project partners from the three countries. The total value of the project is 6.4 million euro, with the European Union providing 85% of the funding.
Most small farmers in border areas still rely on traditional production methods, which are no longer competitive. Through the SATECON project, strategies will be developed to facilitate better adoption of smart agriculture tools and technologies. Advanced technologies such as drones, sensors, automation, data analysis, and robotic systems will be used for this purpose.
The project will focus on six key agricultural sectors: viticulture, fruit growing, olive growing, livestock farming, greenhouse cultivation, and mariculture. Pilot projects will be carried out in various locations, with special emphasis on encouraging cooperation among producers and the exchange of knowledge. In addition to boosting agricultural competitiveness, the project is expected to attract new, young farmers and strengthen local production, creating conditions for the revitalization of rural areas.
SATECON is one of four strategic projects being implemented under the Interreg Croatia–Bosnia and Herzegovina–Montenegro program. Within this program, approximately 107 million euro has been allocated for the 2021–2027 period for projects aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens in various fields. This clearly demonstrates the benefits of European Union membership and contributes to friendly cooperation among the three countries.
