Beekeeping Association Cerklje

The villages beneath Mount Krvavec, which make up the Municipality of Cerklje, have a rich beekeeping tradition. Nearly every village has one or more apiaries, indicating that many residents still practice beekeeping as a hobby. Although individual beekeepers usually keep around fifteen hives, they are organized into an official association.

The Beekeeping Association Cerklje traces its roots back to January 1920, when local beekeepers founded a beekeeping branch based in Cerklje. The branch operated actively until the end of World War II, after which it was renamed the Cerklje Beekeeping Family. Long-time leader Franc Bobnar led the organization for 32 years. He was followed by Franc Frantar and then Franc Zorman. Since 2000, the association has been led by Franci Strupi.

The association is a member of the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association and, since 2002, also of the Upper Gorenjska Beekeepers’ Association. It contributes to the publication of Kranjska čebela, the newsletter of the regional association. Today, the association includes 67 beekeepers managing around 900 bee colonies. Two members, Franci Strupi and Jože Brankovič, use the certified label Slovenski med – controlled quality for their honey.

Special attention is given to the education of young beekeepers. A beekeeping club is active at the Davorin Jenko Primary School Cerklje, with up to 15 pupils attending. Each year, the association organizes two expert lectures on beekeeping topics and a professional excursion for its members.