Let’s BEE sustainable! – Innovations and Sustainability in Hungarian Beekeeping

Hungary is one of the leading beekeeping nations in the European Union, with centuries-old traditions and a uniquely high density of bee colonies — approximately 13 per square kilometer. Home to nearly 1.2 million bee colonies and over 20,000 beekeepers, Hungary’s ecological conditions are ideal for beekeeping across most of the country. Each year, Hungary produces between 25,000 and 30,000 tons of honey, 60% of which is exported. Among its products, Hungarian acacia honey stands out as a true rarity, recognized as a Hungarikum, while the country’s multifloral and varietal honeys are also of outstanding quality.
This event will spotlight how Hungarian beekeepers are adapting to the challenges of a changing world to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector. Topics will include adaptation to shifting floral resources, technological innovation in beekeeping, and the importance of continuous professional education. New Hungarian innovations in apicultural tools will also be presented — solutions with potential interest for the international beekeeping community.

Programme:

• Opening speech
  by Dr. István Nagy (Minister of Agriculture, Hungary)
• The ecological and agricultural importance of bees, and the impact of climate change on beekeeping
  Speaker: Ildikó Arany (Bükk National Park Directorate / Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences)
• Environmental sustainability: Changes in floral resources from natural and cultivated lands over the past 30 years
  Speaker: Dr. András Bónai (Hungarian Beekeepers’ Association)
  
  
• Presentation of innovative Hungarian beekeeping technologies
  Speaker: Ferenc Stencli (Hungarian Beekeepers’ Association)
• Hungarian acacia honey in the context of social and environmental sustainability: Educational programs and national outreach
  Panel Discussion Participants: Péter Ondré (Agricultural Marketing Centre); Ildikó Arany (Bükk National Park Directorate / Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences); Ferenc Stencli – (Hungarian Beekeepers’ Association); Dr. András Bónai (Hungarian Beekeepers’ Association)
• Q&A Session