The program “Queen Rearing in Thessaly: Distribution of Queen Cells to Support Local Beekeeping” is implemented in the Regional Units of Larissa, Karditsa, Magnesia and Trikala.
Summary
Following the extensive damage caused by the storm “Daniel” in 2023, which led to the loss of more than 40% of bee colonies, beekeeping in Thessaly, a region with a decisive contribution to national production, remains at a critical stage and requires targeted and consistent support.
Following two successful initiatives implemented in the region (“Restarting Beekeeping in Thessaly” 2022–2023 and “Queen Rearing: Utilization, conservation and improvement of bee genetic material” 2023–2024), the need to continue supporting affected beekeepers emerged.
The program “Queen Rearing in Thessaly: Distribution of Queen Cells to Support Local Beekeeping” aims to address this need by offering 10,000 queen cells free of charge to 150 beneficiary beekeepers in the region.
The program is designed and implemented by the organization Νέα Γεωργία Νέα Γενιά, in collaboration with the Agricultural University of Athens and under the scientific guidance of the Laboratory of Sericulture and Apiculture, supervised by Assistant Professor Georgios Gkoras. It is co-funded by the Region of Thessaly, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation and APIVITA within the framework of the Billion Bees Program.
Purpose of the Program
The purpose of the program is to support up to 150 beekeepers affected by the storm Daniel, through the provision of 10,000 queen cells derived from endemic genetic material of the region.
The production of queen cells is carried out by 8 specialized queen breeders, who utilize either their own selected genetic material or the genetic material of the beekeepers themselves, where available.
Through the program, the following are pursued:
- restoration of bee colony production
- production of high-quality queens
- strengthening of the sector’s sustainability
- support of the local economy
At the same time, the program contributes to the large-scale production of queen cells from selected endemic genetic material, with the participation of experienced local queen breeders.
The queen breeders have already been trained through previous initiatives and have demonstrated significant production activity, with more than 800 graftings (2022–2023) and the production of 27,000 queen cells in 2024.
The initiative has received important distinctions, such as:
- Bravo Sustainability Award 2022 (Category: “Protection of Ecosystems and Biodiversity”)
- GOLD Environmental Award (Category: “Sustainable Agriculture”)
In the long term, the objective is to strengthen beekeeping in Thessaly, increase production and develop more resilient bee colonies, while contributing to biodiversity and local agricultural production.
Target Group
The program is addressed to:
- primarily beekeepers in Thessaly affected by the storm, following evaluation of applications
- other beekeepers in the region, subject to availability
Areas of Implementation
- Regional Unit of Larissa
- Regional Unit of Karditsa
- Regional Unit of Magnesia
- Regional Unit of Trikala
Duration
The first application cycle will remain open until April 17, 2026.
Participation Cost
FREE
Queen Breeders’ Contact Numbers
Regional Unit of Larissa
Elina Kampisiou: 6974012351
Ioannis Senko: 6936820666
Regional Unit of Karditsa
Katerina Apostolopoulou: 6993736456
Alexandros Giannakopoulos: 6988198696
Alexandros Liatsos: 6976290719
Giorgos Xiros: 6983603675
Regional Unit of Magnesia
Dimitris Koletas: 6974202989
Regional Unit of Trikala
Konstantinos Lamprogeorgos: 6979630121
For More Information
-
Kalliopi Karampoiki
Capacity Building Manager
Νέα Γεωργία Νέα Γενιά
Tel.: +30 210 6917986, +30 6972096122
Email: [email protected]Filippa Griva
Agricultural University of Athens
Tel.: +30 6970508200
Email: [email protected]
