Queen Rearing: Save a Greek Bee

Over the past quarter, the “Queen Rearing: Rescue and Genetic Improvement of Bees” program in Central Greece moved from the preparation phase into active implementation, marking an important milestone for the program and the beekeepers it supports.

During this period, the coordination team of New Agriculture New Generation and the scientific team from the Agricultural University of Athens continued their regular coordination meetings, ensuring that all technical, logistical, and operational aspects of the program were carefully aligned before the start of the new grafting cycle.

By the end of April 2026, grafting activities had officially begun in Central Greece and were successfully completed in early June. We are very pleased to share that the program reached its target of 250 graftings and beneficiaries, providing local beekeepers with access to high-quality queen cells and further strengthening the adoption of genetic improvement practices in the region.

In the coming days, the final event of the program will take place in the area of Livadeia. During this event, we will have the opportunity to present the program, share its results, and highlight the contribution of all those involved in making this important initiative possible.

At the same time, we are especially happy to announce that we have successfully continued this action in the region of Thessaly. The launch of the new program in Thessaly was officially announced in March 2026, building on the previous intervention implemented in the region after Storm Daniel and the severe damage it caused to local beekeeping activity.

Within this new phase, 8 already trained grafters from the previous Thessaly program have been selected to produce and distribute queen cells free of charge to interested beekeepers in the region. In March 2026, these 8 grafters participated in a two-day refresher training, designed to reinforce their technical knowledge, align procedures, and prepare them for the new production cycle.

Following this training, a call was opened for beekeepers in Thessaly who wished to receive queen cells. At the same time, internal coordination meetings began, along with the procurement of the necessary materials and equipment to support the smooth implementation of the program.

The production and first free distribution of queen cells in Thessaly has already started and will continue until the program’s target is reached. Through this renewed action, we aim to further support beekeepers who are still working to recover from the long-term consequences of Storm Daniel, helping them rebuild stronger colonies, restore production, and improve the resilience of their apiaries.

Your support remains essential. Thanks to your contribution, we are able to continue offering meaningful technical support to beekeepers in regions that need it most, while promoting stronger genetics, healthier colonies, and more resilient local beekeeping ecosystems.

As the program expands and reaches more beneficiaries, every contribution helps us move one step closer to our goal: supporting beekeepers, protecting biodiversity, and strengthening rural communities in times of recovery and renewal.

Thank you for standing with us and for continuing to be part of this journey!

Over the past quarter, the “Queen Rearing: Rescue and Genetic Improvement of Bees” program in Central Greece has focused on preparation, coordination, and strategic planning for the upcoming implementation phase. While field grafting activities remain seasonally paused, important groundwork has been taking place behind the scenes to ensure an even stronger restart in spring 2026.

During this period, the coordination team of New Agriculture New Generation and the scientific team from the Agricultural University of Athens have been holding regular coordination meetings. These sessions are dedicated to evaluating the previous grafting cycle, refining technical procedures, supporting the nine trained grafters, and carefully planning the relaunch of queen cell grafting activities in spring 2026.

Our shared goal remains clear: not only to meet our initial targets for the region of Central Greece, but to exceed them, expanding access to high-quality queen cells and strengthening genetic improvement practices among local beekeepers.

At the same time, applications have officially reopened for beekeepers who wish to express their interest in receiving queen cells during the upcoming grafting cycle.

At the same time, we are very pleased to announce that preparations are underway to relaunch the program in Thessaly in 2026. This initiative follows the successful implementation of our previous intervention in the region after Storm Daniel and the devastating damages it caused to local beekeeping activity. The scientific and coordination teams have already begun strategic meetings to define the next steps and structure of the new program. The official announcement of this renewed action in Thessaly is expected in March 2026.

The need remains urgent. Many beekeepers in Thessaly are still facing the long-term consequences of Storm Daniel, working to rebuild their apiaries, restore production, and secure their livelihoods. By expanding our program once again in the region, we aim to provide meaningful technical support, improve colony resilience, and help strengthen the local beekeeping ecosystem.

As we enter this new phase of preparation and expansion, your support is more important than ever. Especially now, as we prepare to relaunch activities both in Central Greece and in Thessaly, your contribution directly empowers beekeepers who continue to face the lasting impacts of Storm Daniel.

Together, we are not only improving queen genetics, but we are rebuilding resilience, protecting biodiversity, and supporting rural communities in times of recovery and renewal.

Thank you for standing with us and being part of this journey!