Increase in EU support for beekeeping

The EU Commission approved the national programmes of its 27 Member States (MS) to improve the production and marketing of apiculture products during the period 2011-2013. The EU contribution to the financing of the programmes has increased by almost 25% compared to the previous period (2008-2010), from €26 (US$37) million to €32 (US$46) million per year. The health of the beekeeping sector is a sensitive issue given the fundamental role of bees for pollination. For several years the sector has been facing an unprecedented mortality of bees. This makes the economic situation difficult for beekeepers and poses a threat to biodiversity. The national programmes are currently the only tool available to partially offset the loss of bees. MS have been satisfied with the benefits provided by these programmes, and the positive effect of measures funded under national programmes is widely recognised by beekeepers.

It is hoped to increase the effectiveness of the programmes and demonstrate the proactive approach of the Commission towards resolving the problems of a highly sensitive sector.

All MS have communicated their national beekeeping programmes to the Commission. The programmes relate to different measures: control of Varroa, support for laboratories, restocking of hives, applied research programmes and technical assistance. All 27 programmes are eligible for co-financing. It is calculated that the total number of hives in the 27 MS is almost 14 million.

Each MS has the option every three years to submit a national apiculture programme to improve the conditions for production and marketing of apiculture products, including a study on the structure of the sector. For the next period all MS expressed an interest in these programmes.

For the full report see www.beesfordevelopment.org/portal/ and search for EUROPA Press Release