The second day of the Study Visit and Regional Exchange within the project “Persons with Disabilities Growing Aromatic Medicinal Herbs” was dedicated to practical learning and the exchange of experiences directly in the field.

Participants from North Macedonia, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina visited the Municipality of Gradsko, where they had the opportunity to visit plantations of medicinal and aromatic herbs and learn more about their cultivation and maintenance.

During the practical session, various techniques related to herb cultivation were demonstrated, including soil preparation, planting and proper spacing of plants, as well as basic maintenance practices.

Special attention was given to lavender, with a practical demonstration of preparing and making cuttings as one of the methods of lavender propagation. Participants had the opportunity to learn directly about the process and discuss the conditions required for successful rooting and development of new plants.

At the plantations, participants also discussed the different stages of plant development, weed control, natural protection methods, irrigation and maintenance needs, as well as how to identify the appropriate harvesting period.

The practical part continued with a demonstration of harvesting and proper post-harvest handling of the plants, including cleaning, sorting and preparation for further drying and processing.

The entire day was filled with practical work, questions, discussions and the exchange of experiences related to the cultivation, maintenance and processing of medicinal and aromatic herbs.

The greatest value of the day was the opportunity to move beyond theory and apply knowledge directly in the plantations – through hands-on work with the plants, sharing experiences and learning from one another.

Special thanks to the Western Balkans Fund and the European Union for their support and for the opportunity to create knowledge, practical skills and new opportunities for persons with disabilities through this project.