Herbaland

The Research Institute for National Strategy with its three partner institutions (Regional development agency Komárno, Association Veľké Kapušany and Surrounding and Rába – Duna – Vág EGTC) has received support (352 000 EUR from which 299 204 EUR ERDF) for cross-border network cooperation of stakeholders in herbal industry within the frame of the INTERREG V-A Slovakia-Hungary Cooperation Programme.
2-day study tour took place at the Zánka Herbal Valley Visitor and Training Center at 1-2 June 2018. Between the Hungarian and Slovak participants of the study tour were stakeholders who were practicing herbal growers, therapeutics, engineers, viticulturists, rural development specialists, journalists, agrarians, forestry fruit nectar producers. But were also people who were interested in looking for herb growing or processing. 

The program begun at Zánka Herbal Valley Visitor and Training Center. Takács Tamás, the Curator of the Foundation was awaiting and welcoming the participants. Those interested first became acquainted with the cultivation, collection, therapeutic effect and uses of herbs in theory. Following the presentation at the demonstration center, the presentation of herb garden was started with the guidance of Takács Ferenc. He has 40 years professional experiences in herb growing. He is a horticultural teacher, mushroom and herbalist. The processing manufactory is a part of Visitor and Training Center, where drying and storage of seasonal herbs is carried out, which could also be considered. At the end of the program, it was possible to buy herbs.

The program also included a visit to the Tomajvin Aklan Winery, which is in close cooperation with the Herbal Valley. Here are made unique herbal wines. Most of the time, the wines are made by soaking specially selected herbal mixtures from the center. 
At Monoszló, 5 km from Zánka, took place a herbal journey on 2 June. 
The next destination was the Dörgicse Levendárium. The guide described the characteristics of locally grown lavenders in Levendarium. At the end of the presentation, participants could taste lavender nectars and cakes. They also had the opportunity to purchase products made from locally grown lavender. 

The program ended in the Tihany Family Leisure Park. Here, the participants of the program actively contributed to the lavender cooking in a potato stew.