Jems
The contract for the implementation of the strategic project “Smart AgriTech Connect – SATECON” was recently signed and awarded. The project is being implemented under the Interreg VI-A IPA Cross-border Cooperation Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027.
The goal of the “SATECON” project is to enhance agricultural competitiveness in the cross-border regions of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro by developing smart agriculture. The project is led by 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 85% co-financed by the European Union.
The project is being implemented under Priority Axis 1 – “Smart investments in research, innovation, and competitive entrepreneurship”, Specific Objective 1.1 – “Development and strengthening of research and innovation capacities and the application of advanced technologies”. The project duration is 36 months.
Most small farmers in the cross-border area still rely on traditional production methods that are no longer competitive. Through the “SATECON project”, strategies will be developed to support the effective adoption of smart agriculture tools and technologies.
The project will focus on six key agricultural sectors: viticulture, fruit growing, olive growing, livestock farming, greenhouse cultivation, and mariculture. Advanced technologies such as drones, sensors, automation, data analysis, and robotic systems will be used. One of the key challenges will be to strengthen collaboration between the IT sector and agricultural experts. Pilot projects will be implemented at various locations, with a strong emphasis on encouraging cooperation among producers and knowledge exchange.
In addition to enhancing agricultural competitiveness, the project is expected to attract new, young farmers and strengthen local production, thus creating the preconditions for revitalizing rural areas.
Lead partner:
Project partners:
- Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food (HR)
- Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Republika Srpska (BiH)
- Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry (BiH)
- Agriculture Faculty Banja Luka (BiH)
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food technology Mostar (BiH)
- Faculty of Agromediterranean Mostar (BiH)
- Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management (CG)
- University of Montenegro (CG)
Updates and further information on the project will be regularly published on the Programme’s official website and social media channels.
