By Erica Lympousi | Development Associate
Over the past six months, the “Queen Rearing: Rescue and Genetic Improvement of Bees” program has continued to make significant progress in Central Greece. Following the completion of the first training cycle earlier this year, the project entered its most active implementation phase — the queen cell grafting period.
From April to September 2025, the grafting process was in full operation across the four regional units of Central Greece: Boeotia, Evrytania, Fokida, and Fthiotida. During this period, weekly coordination meetings took place between the nine grafters, the coordination team of New Agriculture New Generation, and the scientific team from the Agricultural University of Athens. These meetings ensured the smooth execution of the program’s second phase, providing ongoing technical support, problem-solving, and exchange of field experiences among participants.
The grafters worked closely with local beekeepers to implement the queen rearing techniques they had learned during the training phase. Their dedication and collaboration have been truly inspiring.
To date, an additional 60 queen cell grafting procedures have been successfully completed, bringing the total number of graftings to 110 across the region. These graftings represent both a tangible outcome and a growing network of trained practitioners capable of transferring knowledge and services to fellow beekeepers.
Due to weather and environmental conditions, the grafting activities had to pause in September. However, the process will resume in spring 2026, when conditions once again become favorable for queen rearing.
Beyond its technical achievements, this project continues to foster community empowerment, promote environmental sustainability, and safeguard the genetic diversity of Greek bees. Each trained grafter now serves as a local ambassador of innovation and resilience within the beekeeping sector of Central Greece.
We are deeply grateful for your continued support. Together, we are not only strengthening rural livelihoods but also protecting biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for bees and beekeepers alike.
Join us in empowering beekeepers and protecting nature. Thank you for being part of this journey.
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