Queen Rearing: Save a Greek Bee

Over the past few months, our efforts to expand the “Queen Rearing: Rescue and Genetic Improvement of Bees” program to Central Greece have yielded exciting results. Following the success in Thessaly and Evia, our activities now reach the remaining four regional units of Central Greece: Boeotia, Evrytania, Fokida, and Fthiotida.

In February 2025, the first phase of training began in Lamia with 20 selected beekeepers from the region. This intensive training program, totaling 100 hours, concluded in early April 2025. It included both theoretical and practical content, with a strong focus on understanding the role of queen rearing, the importance of selection and genetic improvement, and effective techniques for grafting. Additional key educational objectives addressed during the training included bee disease management, royal jelly production and other bee products, relevant legislation for the beekeeping sector, and the development of communication skills.

At the end of the training, all participants underwent a written evaluation. Based on their performance and potential, 9 beekeepers were selected to continue to the second phase as “grafters”. These grafters are now responsible for peer-to-peer knowledge transfer and delivering grafting services to the broa0der beekeeping community in Central Greece.

Simultaneously, applications were opened to beekeepers across Central Greece who wished to benefit from the queen cell grafting services provided by the grafters. Over 150 local beekeepers expressed interest in joining the second phase of the program.

From April to May 2025, weekly coordination meetings took place between the 9 grafters, the coordination team of New Agriculture New Generation, and the scientific team from the Agricultural University of Athens. These sessions focused on preparing for the successful rollout of the second phase of the program.

Between May and June 2025, four informational events were held in Livadia, Lamia, Amfissa, and Karpenisi. These gatherings helped raise awareness among local beekeepers about the value of queen rearing, the opportunities the program provides, and how they can get involved.

To date, 50 queen cell grafting procedures have already been successfully carried out. The grafting process is ongoing and will continue in the coming months, depending on weather and other environmental conditions.

We are incredibly proud of the progress made so far. The engagement of local beekeepers, the commitment of our grafters, and the growing interest in sustainable and innovative beekeeping practices all point to a promising future for apiculture in Central Greece.

This project goes beyond supporting individual livelihoods. It contributes to protecting biodiversity, improving agricultural ecosystems, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of rural communities.

Your support is more crucial than ever. By standing with us, you help local beekeepers thrive, promote environmental sustainability, and preserve the genetic heritage of Greek bees. Together, we are building a resilient and knowledgeable beekeeping community.

Join us in empowering beekeepers and protecting nature.

Thank you for being part of this journey!