Beekeeping in Northern Ireland 2024 NI Country of Culture and Beauty This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY - SA Number of Beekeepers in NI • 2,000 approximately beekeepers ,population 1.8 million • 16 associations (not all beekeepers are members of associations) • 6 commercial beekeepers .(Plus 150 hives) • Remainder are hobbyist with approx 10 hives . Structure and benefit to NI Beekeepers Ulster Beekeepers UBKA(umbrella organisation ) - 16 association UBKA provides insurance , conferences , education, honey shows,and the framework to improve beekeeping in NI Majority participate in Beekeeping education Start at level 1 through to level 5 including microscopy Safeguarding of young people and vunerable adults training for all involved in education. 300 student Level 1 training per year 50 - 60 students level 3 per year 5 - 10 Sudents Level 5 per year Bee health workshops Beekeeping NI • Mainly AMM with a keen interest in rearing native irish black bees • Concern around imports and lack of a bee inspectorate • Hives used – mainly standard national with some Langstroth • Mix of red cedar tradional hive but prolysterene increasing in popularity • Disease control workshops across regions • Season starts in April weather permitting • Hygiene certification encouraged. • Safety and first aid training provided through UBKA • Encourage young beekeepers and improve opportunities for young people in beekeeping – eg schools junior membership • IMYB - 5 years participation helping develop a beekeeping young person strategy • All Ireland pollinator plan founder members - 15 year strategy Conclusion • Beekeeping in NI has many challenges around bio security , imports and lack of suitable forage . • Zero funding or support from government • Strong education system with plans to develop junior education • Weather and lack of forage cause strong challenge • Numbers of beekeepers in education system continues to increase Belfast working for the future of beekeeping and Young Beekeepers ?