Meeting Point: Bus Stop Mirje
- 1st stop: Borovnica
Ambassador Innovation Journey by Ms Saša Kržič from Microgreens Šebenik
Our first stop will be in the rural area close to Ljubljana, in village Borovnica, where we will meet Slovenian Ambassador Ms Saša Kržič, a pioneer in the cultivation of microgreens in Slovenia. After difficulties at the beginning, due to a lack of the right partners and financial support, the complexity of the new knowledge about the entire cultivation process (growing medium, cultivation, temperature, etc.) and unsuccessful attempts, the business gradually succeeded and she, with her husband and employees, has gradually built up two well-established brands (Mikrozelenje Šebenik and Bloomy). More about Saša and her innovation journey: Saša Kržič – FLIARA Project.
Additionally, in Borovnica we will be joined by representatives from the LAG »Barje z zaledjem« (https://www.lasbarje.si/), who will share insights into local projects and explain how innovative women are involved and supported through LEADER/CLLD. We will also meet Ms Malči Božnar (https://www.boznar.si/ ), an innovative beekeeper known for her creative bee-related products, and she will share her story about involvement in LEADER/CLLD projects.
- 2nd stop: Kastelec
Ambassador Innovation Journey by Ms Petra Matos from Park Istra
We will travel further to southwestern Slovenia to meet our second Slovenian Ambassador, Ms Petra Matos. She is the visionary behind Park Istra, a project she co-founded with her husband in remote rural village Kastelec in Slovenian Istria. Park Istra is an innovative initiative that addresses the needs of the local environment through volunteer work. In 11 years, they have hosted (and trained) 1,250 volunteers from 56 countries, working successfully with more than 50 organisations in the local area. Together they have carried out 3,400 work actions and donated around 105,000 working hours to the Obalno-Kraška region. More about Petra and her innovation journey:
https://fliara.eu/innovator/petra-matos/
For this visit, we have also invited various stakeholders working with Petra, including representative from the Center for Social Work (Ms Dijana Plješa, CSD Južna Primorska), to join us and share their local experiences of collaboration with Park Istra. Lunch will be provided as part of our visit in Kastelec.
- 3rd stop: Seča
Woman-led Innovation Journey by Ms Nina Froggatt from Gramona farm
Our third stop is at the Gramona farm in Slovenian Istria. Our visit will feature a guided walk around the farm, where Ms Nina Froggatt will present her innovative practices and products. The farm specialises in processing (olive oil) but has also developed into a rural tourism business. As a leader in woman-led innovation, Nina will share insights into her journey, highlighting how her entrepreneurial spirit has shaped the farm’s success. The tour will conclude with a tasting session, allowing participants to sample some of the unique products that embody Nina’s family commitment to sustainable and innovative farming practices. More about Nina and her innovation journey: https://fliara.eu/innovator/nina-froggatt/