Interregional Learning Event 3 Vas County, Hungary
On November 5-6, 2024, Pannon Novum and the Vas County Government Office welcomed representatives from the 12 partners of the Digital Rural project to Szombathely, Hungary, for the Project Meeting and Interregional Learning Event 3 (ILE3). The event served as a platform to explore innovative digitalization practices and foster interregional collaboration.
DAY 1: Welcomes, Progress, and Local Insights
Opening Remarks
The event commenced with welcome speeches by Dr. Péter Balázsy, Notary and Head of Vas County Office, and Mr. Dániel Magyar, Managing Director of Pannon Novum. This was followed by project updates from all partner countries, highlighting progress, policy developments, and insights into Semester 1. Key presentations included an overview of financial issues and Semester 2 goals by MAICh, along with a review of communication activities led by Leitrim County Council.
Interregional Learning Event 3
Site Visits: Showcasing Local Innovations
Márta Regner from Pannon Novum summarized the significance of the study visits to be held in Vas county, and the participants started their journey around the Hills of Vas. The study visits across Vas County, highlighted initiatives that blend tradition and innovation:
Pannon Local Product Cluster and Vasvár Folk High School, Vasvár This visit showcased the Pannon Local Product Cluster's efforts in promoting local farming, food processing, and countryside tourism through digital tools. Partners explored their innovative approaches to community-driven development and progressive education. The motto of the Pannon Local Product Nonprofit Ltd., formulated in 2007, is still valid today: "Quality, tradition, lasting values". Over the past 15 years, they have gained considerable experience and have been at the forefront of promoting local products with many digital solutions.
Learn more: Pannon Local Product Cluster
Birkás Pálinka House, Győrvár
Participants discovered modern digital techniques used in the production of traditional pálinka, Hungary’s fruit brandy, including processing, bottling, and showcasing. They grow and protect the high quality, delicious fruit produced in Oszkó, on the hills of the Vas [Vasi Ridge], with professional care so that when the time comes it would serve as a perfect basis for the Birkás Pálinka. The venue also serves as a hub for tastings and events.
Learn more: Birkás Pálinka
Hegypásztor Estate, Oszkó
At this picturesque estate, partners experienced a time-traveling adventure game designed to engage younger audiences with the region’s cultural and historical landmarks. The Hegypásztot estate activities include community development, regional and rural development, tourism development and the preservation of the culture of viticulture and wine-making.
Learn more: Hegypásztor Estate
The evening concluded with a delightful dinner featuring Vas County’s culinary specialties.
DAY 2: Exploring Digital Agriculture and Project Highlights
The second day centered on presentations at the Vas County Government Office, offering insights into digital transformation in agriculture and beyond:
Spraying Drones in Agriculture: András Borhi, a plant protection drone pilot, demonstrated how drones are revolutionizing agriculture with advanced mapping, spraying, and data analysis capabilities.
In recent decades, digitalisation and innovative solutions have increasingly penetrated all industries. Digitalisation can help in in many aspects of agriculture, such as administration, tenders, data and value analysis. With drones, it has become possible to analyse and map land, apply products or nutrients, spray and many others. Participants could hear information and developments on the modern agriculture sector of today's digitalization.
Farm-to-Tablet Digitalization: Amália Kraft, owner of Kövesdi Farm, shared how digital tools enhance efficiency in livestock management, from health monitoring to precision farming.
Kövesdi farm is owned by a family company located near the Austrian border in the valley of river Raab with breeding Hungarian simmentaler type of cattle. Main products are raw milk and calves. Digitalisation in case of live stock management is automatisation to improve efficiency and reduce workforce, data collection to support decision making, health management to support proactive health care, precison farming to optimize resource and outcome, sustainability via resource optimization to avoid waste.
Showcasing DIGIUP 4.0, TRENDIG, and SKILLS+ Projects: Pannon Novum highlighted its involvement in these projects, illustrating their impact on regional digitalization and ongoing initiatives to support local communities.
The event ended with a traditional Hungarian lunch, offering attendees the opportunity to network and reflect on the knowledge and inspiration gained. Partners departed Vas County equipped with fresh ideas and strategies for advancing digitalization in their regions.
