- Can you explain the creative idea of your project?
MineFields Honey is simple and powerful. We made a product that wasn't supposed to exist by turning mined lands into areas for making honey. The honey we collect is used to invite influential people to fundraising events for demining Ukraine. We also gave special jars with information about our issue to important people as a diplomatic tool.
- Can you tell us more about your collaboration with the agro-industrial company Kernel and other partners?
Collaboration is the core of our project. After the idea, we tried to figure out how to implement it in real life. We’re happy that all our partners have contributed their strengths, resources, and knowledge to make this happen. Kernel, as one of the largest agricultural companies in Ukraine, has felt the significant impact of military actions on its lands. A lot of its lands in the border areas with the aggressor country remain mined and are in zones of constant shelling. The company gave us land and seeds for sowing. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, one of Ukraine's most modern and creative ministries, helps us with presence at different events. Dronarium can do amazing things with drones. The Union of Beekeepers of Ukraine knows everything about honey, bees, and hives. This project is like a big puzzle, where every piece is equally important.
- How do you ensure the safety of the bees and the quality of the honey produced in mined areas?
Safety is a big question we always get asked about. The first concern is the safety of the beehives and beekeepers. That’s why drones plant the fields, and bees collect the honey. The hives are placed near the field in a safe, mine-free area. There are no hives directly in the fields, so beekeepers aren't in contact with minefields directly.
The Union of Beekeepers of Ukraine helped us prove the safety of the honey. They have certified labs that tested the first batch of honey and gave us certificates. Interesting fact: nature helps us too. Did you know that bees can clean the honey they collect by themselves? Briefly said, these little creatures gather nectar and pass it through their bodies, enriching it with their enzymes. This process neutralizes potential harmful substances from any field.
[For your interest, here you can find more information about how bees make honey]
- What challenges have you faced in implementing the project?
Pretty sure, this project is technologically complex. Before working on the fields, they need to be mapped and scanned. We need to know exactly what is in these fields, where are mines. Drones create a height map and a field relief map. Then we treat the fields with substances to stop weeds from growing. After that, agricultural drones sow honey plants.
Also, we need to find a proper honey flowers. It was decided to sow phacelia using drones. Phacelia was chosen for a reason, because with this honey plant, a large area can be sown. Also, this honey plant is resistant to drought and is not picky about soil.
- Are there plans to expand the project, and how do you see it helping Ukraine's recovery efforts?
This year, a bigger phase of the project happened. Our partners have already sown up to 17 hectares of minefields, and in a few months, we believe we’ll have honey made by bees from these minefields in 2024. We are also talking with foreign companies. The honey from mined fields will become a part of interesting collaborations, but no details yet.
The first harvested honey was used in direct communication, at events. It has become an unexpected and emotional media addition to the state communication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Kernel’s corporate communication. Truly, its sadly truth, but the entire world is slightly tired of war in Ukraine. And we need to be more creative for being visible still in diplomatic areas.
- The campaign has already won some recognition within the industry. What do you expect now?
Of course, recognition is nice. We hope it will continue. Fingers crossed. But the most important thing is that our honey really helps Ukrainian diplomacy. This is our creative contribution to solving the problem of mined Ukrainian lands faster. Of course, this is not just the task of one campaign or project, but the goal now is to combine efforts to make our land safer for people and agriculture.