LATVIA S APICULTURE PROGRAMME

Transcription

1 LATVIA S APICULTURE PROGRAMME

2 CONTENTS I. General description of the sector... 3 II. Research data on the structure of the apiculture sector... 4 III. Measures for implementing the programme IV. Break-down of programme funding V. Development of programme VI. Monitoring and evaluation of the programme

3 I. General description of the sector Beekeeping in Latvia is an ancient activity, rich in tradition, but apiculture is one of the sectors in modern-day agricultural production. The contribution of bees to the pollination of entomophilous plants is highly significant. The honey bee, Apis mellifera, is one of the main pollinating insects. The role of bees in the pollination of agricultural crops is frequently irreplaceable. Around 80 % of the Earth s plants are entomophilous. This means that insects are essential for their pollination. Honey bees alone pollinate around 4/5 of the plants pollinated by insects. The actual contribution made by bees in this connection is difficult to calculate in monetary terms, although it has been attempted. According to many researchers, the total volume of indirect apiculture products is, on average, 10 times greater than the volume of direct production; in other words, in evaluating the contribution of apiculture to pollination, the increase in yield is 10 times greater than the value of honey and other apiculture products. Specialists in some countries suggest that apiculture makes an even greater contribution to the economy. For example, some countries believe that bees are essential for the pollination of at least 90 agricultural crops and that, thanks to the work accomplished by these insects, the increase in annual yield is worth around EUR billion. This would indicate that the ratio of direct to indirect volumes of apiculture production is 1:50. This means that the contribution of apiculture to the increased yield from cultivated crops is 50 times greater than the total volume of direct apiculture production. With Latvia s agricultural production volumes increasing, particularly those in intensive agriculture, areas favourable for apiculture are decreasing. Intensive agriculture promotes the formation of poor agrocenoses, and the use of intensiveagriculture chemicals has a negative impact on the diversity of biocenoses, including the populations of natural pollinators. This significantly increases the role of bee colonies managed by beekeepers, not only in crop pollination but also in maintaining the viability of the ecosystem as a whole. Since 1977, honey bees existence in Latvia has been threatened by a pest, the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor. The strains of the western honey bee Apis mellifera kept by Latvia s beekeepers have no resistance mechanisms to this pest, and so bee colonies not cared for or treated by beekeepers perish within 1-2 years in our climatic conditions. The Varroa mite acts as a vector for the transmission of viral beedisease pathogens. Research shows that the pest s critical thresholds continue to decrease, caused by the spread of viruses which initiate bee diseases, and their virulence. In circumstances where practically all bee colonies are diseased, the work of beekeepers is complicated: the costs of keeping bee colonies rise, more working time is required and colony keeping requires specific and considerable knowledge. This, coupled with the cost of obtaining treatments and a decline in colony productivity, all serves to increase production costs and reduce apiary revenue. Irrespective of all this, the popularity of apiculture continues to grow, the number of amateur beekeepers is increasing and younger people are becoming beekeepers. Despite the wide-ranging threats to the apiculture sector, there are also some features beneficial to its development. Latvia s geographical location is favourable for 3

4 obtaining high-quality honey. The mixed woodlands characteristic of temperate climate zones, interspersed as they are with extensive pine forests, natural and flood meadows, scrubland, bogs and heathland, are an excellent habitat for plants which are sources of nectar. The diversity of such plants and their quality are the main prerequisites for the quality of the harvested honey. Additionally, in northern regions, including Latvia, the short flowering period of nectar-bearing plants provides a more concentrated nectar, richer in biologically active substances than those in southern regions. Unfortunately, the climatic conditions typical of this geographical location also, from time to time, significantly hold back the development of apiculture. The damp coastal climate with prevailing north-westerly winds, which bring rainy weather with them for the most part, hampers the normal development of bee colonies and the utilisation of the honey harvest. Considerable variation in climatic conditions can be observed within even a few hundred kilometres, especially between the eastern regions of Latvia and the Vidzeme uplands on the one hand, and the coastal areas bordering the Baltic Sea in the south-west on the other. Variations in the dates when spring and autumn begin can even exceed two weeks, and consequently the active season for bee colonies in coastal districts can even be as much as a month longer than in the continental parts of the country. Latvia does not have traditionally developed apiculture regions. The sector is equally well developed throughout the country. The actual of number of bee colonies in the country has for several years now ranged from around to , which is significantly less than Latvia s natural resources and bee nutritional base would allow. Thus, the sector has potential for growth. Statistical data show that a large number of bee colony owners (around 40 %) still tend 1-14 bee colonies, which means that apiculture is carried out very extensively and bee colonies are kept mainly for pleasure and for a little additional revenue for family budgets. These apiaries require additional supervision and care on the part of both State institutions and beekeeping associations, because in most cases the owners of these small apiaries have little experience of and knowledge about the health of bee colonies, and they often become a source of dangerous infectious diseases for neighbouring bee colonies. II. Research data on the structure of the apiculture sector According to data from the Agricultural Data Centre (as at 1 January 2013), beekeepers are registered, of whom 70 are professional beekeepers, and the number of registered bee colonies is The Latvian Beekeepers Association has members, who make up 78 % of the total number of beekeepers registered with the Agricultural Data Centre. There is a clear trend in Latvia for the number of bee colonies to increase each year (for example, comparing data submitted in the previous apiculture programme, only bee colonies were registered, whereas bee colonies have already been registered in the period of this new apiculture programme) and the quantity of honey produced is also increasing. The quantity of honey obtained in 2011 increased by 24.3 % in comparison with 2010 (676 tonnes). According to Central Statistical [Bureau] provisional data*, tonnes of honey could have 4

5 been produced in The volume of honey produced by farms fluctuates and is difficult to forecast. The majority of honey produced is sold directly to end consumers from the producer s farm and the remainder reaches the market and retail outlets. The proportion of specialised honey shops in the distribution of honey is low. Consequently, promoting organisation and cooperation within the sector is important. It is essential to promote mutual cooperation in the procurement of honey or its products to increase the sector s competitiveness, as well as increasing the proportion of apiculture products in retail chains, in both local and foreign markets. It is essential to educate beekeepers about the positive aspects of cooperation and its benefits, and to inform them about and acquaint them with cooperatives in other sectors, promoting mutual cooperation. It is possible that the consumption of honey could increase in the future, not only in markets and shops, but also in restaurants, cafes and other public catering outlets. Reducing the costs of products is not possible at this time and therefore increased consumption can be achieved by educating consumers, offering new and specially tailored types and sizes of packaging, and through the use of honey and its products in other sectors, such as in medicine, cosmetics, baked goods and others. At the end of 2012, the Latvian Beekeepers Association (LBB) surveyed beekeepers to obtain data for research into the structure of the apiculture sector. LBB members were sent survey questionnaires. The survey showed that in 2012 smallholdings could be classified in the following groups according to their numbers of bee colonies: 1-49 bee colonies: 85 % (83 % in 2010); bee colonies: 10 % (11 % in 2010); bee colonies: 2 % (3 % in 2010); professional apiaries with more than 150 colonies: 3 % (3 % in 2010). These data reflect the increase in the proportion of new beekeepers coming into the sector (the number of apiaries with 1-49 bee colonies increased by 2 %). 5

6 Figure 1. Number of bee colonies on farms in 2012 (%) Figure 1 shows clearly that the largest group of apiculture farms is farms with 1-14 bee colonies in their apiary (40 %), while the largest number of bee colonies is concentrated in medium-size apiaries with bee colonies per apiary (42 %) and in professional apiculture farm apiaries with 150 bee colonies and more (25 % of the total number of bee colonies). Small apiary owners (the groups of apiarists with 1-14 and bee colonies) are, numerically, easily the largest group of apiary owners (65 %), but they only own a quarter (26 %) of bee colonies. One does not become a professional beekeeper in a short time and it is difficult for bee-keeping beginners to tend a large number of colonies. This hypothesis is confirmed by analysing the data seen in Figure 2. The presentation of data shows clearly that it is the new beekeepers apiaries with experience in apiculture of 1-9 years (grouping beekeepers by decades spent in the sector) that, on average, have the smallest number of bee colonies per apiary (19), and in terms of the total number of colonies, the group is only in third place (with 20 % of all colonies), after experienced beekeepers already into their second and third decades of apiculture, even though the first group of apiarists, with 1-9 years experience, is larger by far (35 % of the total number of beekeepers). Similarly, Figure 2 shows that this group (1-9 years) has the youngest beekeepers (with an average age of 49). 6

7 Diagram 2. Experience in apiculture and apiary size in 2012 Summarising all of the above, we can conclude that it is the first group of apiarists, with 1-9 years experience in apiculture, which has the best prospects, as the members of this group have potential for growth. Numerically it is the largest group, with the third largest number of bee colonies and the youngest beekeepers. However, new beekeepers require practical and information support in bee-colony propagation, breeding and bee-disease treatment issues. Similarly, the entry of new and energetic beekeepers into the sector creates increases in the volume of production. In turn, this requires new beekeepers to have additional training in product quality assurance and marketing. The entry of new participants into the sector can be explained both by increased public interest in apiculture and by the LBB s successful implementation of Latvia s Apiculture Programme. During that period, the number of LBB members increased (by 61 %), as did the number of attendants at courses organised by the LBB (Figure 3). 7

8 Figure 3. Number of LBB members and apiculture course attendees A common and characteristic feature of the apiculture sector in the small countries of Europe s Nordic and Baltic regions is that they do not have many undertakings processing and selling apiculture products. Even developed countries like Norway and Sweden manage with just one undertaking processing apiculture products. The main players in the sector are beekeepers and bee colonies. In describing sector participants, i.e. beekeepers in Latvia, it can be said that there is also potential for growth here. Nearly half the respondents have tertiary education (46 %), and the majority of beekeepers have acquired vocational education through courses (44 %) and obtain additional knowledge by teaching themselves (Figures 4 and 5), as many respondents to the questionnaire indicated both answers. Figure 4. Education Figure 5. Apiculture education Apiculture involves a lot of manual work, associated with carrying heavy weights, and so it is logical that 2/3 of beekeepers are men (69 %, Figure 6). However, it is quite surprising that the survey data shows that a comparatively high number of 8

9 women are also engaged in apiculture (31 %). It is possible that the heavy work is not always carried out by the person under whose name the bee colonies are registered. Figure 6. Gender of beekeepers The form of business structure most frequently chosen by the beekeepers surveyed was natural persons registered with the State Revenue Service (SRS) (25.8 %, Figure 7). A group of beekeepers of approximately the same size consider the tending of bee colonies as a leisure activity (hobby, 25.5 % of beekeepers). This fact should be seen in the context shown in Figure 8: number of bee colonies in each group (as a % of the total number), hobby beekeepers apiaries comprise only 10 % of all bee colonies. From this, it can be concluded that, firstly, the number of bee colonies and related economic activity justifies the grouping being called hobby and, secondly, there are comparatively many such beekeepers and additional attention should be paid to their proper and appropriate education. Figure 7. Type of business structure, group % according to number of responses 9

10 Diagram 8. Type of business structure and number of bee colonies within the grouping The third most popular business structure is farms (23 %). This group has the largest number of bee colonies (37 %) and fully reflects the existence of the profession of beekeeper within the sector. The beekeepers who participated in the LBB survey indicate that the annual yield is around 500 tonnes of honey or an average of kg per bee colony per year. Latvia s beekeepers know how to produce high-quality products, but additional opportunities can be seen for honey production by increasing yield, by taking bees to nectar-producing plants, and by diversifying product types, by developing monofloral honey production. Only 17 % of beekeepers practice transhumance with their bee colonies. The most popular single plant varieties bees are taken to can be seen in Figure 9. Figure 9. Most popular plants for bees Nearly all beekeepers indicate that they obtain polyfloral honey (98 %, Figure 10). Only 16 % of respondents indicate that they also produce rape honey, 11 % 10

11 buckwheat honey and only a few (8 %) heather honey. (Honeydew honey (13 %, Figure 10) is not produced as such; bees collect it in advantageous circumstances and where there is no competing nectar harvest). Diversification of the range of products promotes sales volumes and certainly increases the market value of honey. Figure 10. Types of honey produced The success of producers depends not only on volumes and quality of their finished product but also on where it is sold. We can conclude from the survey of beekeepers that they sell the majority, or 71 % (68 % in 2010) of their production directly (at markets, annual fairs, etc., Figure 11). Diagram 11 How honey was sold in Latvia in 2012 A part of production, around 16 % of honey (20 % in 2010), is sold in bulk to wholesalers. 9 % of honey products are sold directly to retail undertakings (shops) and 4 % to food manufacturers (bakeries and others). The most pressing officially identified bee disease in Latvia is varroosis, which was first diagnosed in Latvia in It remains the most economically significant disease, causing economic, financial and moral losses to Latvian beekeeping. The fight against this disease is complicated by the predatory nature of its agent, Varroa 11

12 destructor, and the unregulated relationship between the parasite (varroa) and the host (the bee), and the developing resistance to the synthetic anti-varroa treatments and the high probability of re-infestation. Neither a sufficiently effective means of treatment nor a method of beekeeping that would completely eradicate the disease has yet been discovered. Even though educating beekeepers has achieved significant results and, thanks to assistance regarding combating varroa with organic acids organised under the previous National Programme, the use of various synthetic pesticides has decreased (Figure 12), explanatory and educational work, as well as support for combating mites, must continue, because new beekeepers are coming into the sector. Similarly, it is also essential in connection with the trend for mite virulence to increase, as can be seen worldwide and also in Latvia. As the viral diseases accompanying the mite infestation become active, the critical mite infestation threshold drops: bee colonies perish at a lower level of infestation. Figure 12. Most common anti-varroosis preparations The survey results clearly show how beekeepers themselves rate the spread of varroosis in Latvia. According to the beekeepers assessment in the previous period: in 2007, 87.2 %, in 2008, 87.5 %, in 2009, 85.7 % of bees diseases were varroosis. Data from the survey at the end of 2012 also show that varroosis continues to be the most widespread bee disease in Latvia (Figure 13). As in previous years, the second most widespread disease, according to beekeepers, is nosemosis, followed by fungal diseases (chalkbrood and stonebrood) and foulbrood. Beekeepers opinion as regards the spread of varroosis should be seen as a danger signal, indicating that it is essential to continuously train beekeepers on the determination of mite infestation levels and the application of effective control methods. The fact that % of the beekeepers surveyed believe that their apiary has not been infested by varroosis attests to a low level of understanding of the 12

13 situation. Data from research in Latvia into the health of bees undertaken in autumn 2012 indicates that in the 193 apiaries inspected, with samples taken, on average, from ten colonies per apiary, varroosis was not found in only eight apiaries or 4 % of the apiaries tested. This does not rule out the possibility that mites would be found if a larger number of apiary colonies were tested. Figure 13. Spread of bee diseases Varroosis damages apiculture economically, not only by reducing bee colony yields, but also by giving rise to costs for colony treatment. In the overall variable costs for apiaries, expenditure on combating varroosis is the second largest component (20 % of variable costs, Figure 14). Because of the support for anti-varroosis agents organised under the previous period s national programme, beekeepers are gradually moving away from the use of synthetic pesticides (Figure 12), which are comparatively expensive, and so have succeeded in slightly reducing the costs of fighting varroosis (by 2 percentage points). 13

14 Figure 14. Variable costs per colony (%) In contrast, the largest variable cost for preparing winter feed (77 %) has increased by 4 percentage points. This is due to the fact that beekeepers prefer readymade sources of invert syrup (73 % of beekeepers who took part in the survey) for autumn feeding of bees, and this is more expensive than homemade sucrose syrup. On the basis of data provided by the beekeepers who took part in the survey, variable costs in the apiculture sector in 2012 amounted to LVL per colony, of which measures against varroosis accounted for LVL 3.32, or 20 % of total production costs. This indicator is high, and it is therefore important to continue the restrictive activities already initiated against varroosis, including the distribution of varroosis treatments to beekeepers, so as to find a solution that reduces variable costs, by decreasing the cost of measures to restrict varroosis. Summary of research into the structure of the apiculture sector 1. Bee colonies and beekeepers (LDC data) Professional beekeepers bee colonies (150 colonies and above): Total number of bee colonies: Professional beekeepers (a): 70 Total number of beekeepers: Market structure Production (b): Direct sales to consumers: 71 % Direct sales to retail undertakings: 9 % Sales for manufacturing market /wholesalers: 16 % Sales to manufacturers: 4 % 14

15 3. Sale prices EUR/kg Production (b): Direct sales to consumers: 4.95 Direct sales to retail undertakings: 4.90 Sales for manufacturing market /wholesalers: 2.63 Sales to manufacturers: Production costs and costs of preparation for the market EUR Fixed costs per colony: 7.83 Variable costs per colony: including detailed cost analysis, where possible: cost of anti-varroosis measures: 4.72 winter feed: packaging (jars): 0.70 transhumance: no information 5. Honey quality Specific certificates: Council Regulation (EEC) No 2082/92 Designation of origin (name): Council Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 Geographical indication: Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 none none none III. Measures for implementing the programme The aim of the programme is to improve the general conditions for the production and marketing of apiculture products, to provide information to beekeepers and other parties involved on the latest technologies and trends in the development of apiculture, to improve the level of beekeepers knowledge about apiculture methods, bee diseases, the selection of nectar-bearing plants, and other prerequisites for the successful development of apiculture. Also, in order to promote the provision of highquality apiculture products to consumers, it is essential to carry out analyses of honey quality and other indicators. In turn, procuring queen bees of known provenance will promote the restocking of bees in hives, as well as reducing varroosis infestation and associated diseases in Latvia s apiaries. The programme provides for measures pursuant to Article 106 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 of 22 October 2007 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products (the Single CMO Regulation ). In order to achieve the programme s objectives, the following measures are to be taken: 1. Technical support for beekeepers and groupings of beekeepers. The aim is to increase the efficiency of honey production and to improve conditions so as to improve apiculture product quality and safety indicators, as a result 15

16 of which consumers would be provided with high-quality apiculture products of EU origin. In order to increase production efficiency, applying best practice, beekeepers must be provided with knowledge and information about apiculture. Within the framework of technical assistance, theoretical seminars and practical training on breeding matters will be run for beekeepers, consultants, researchers and voluntary consultants. Beekeeping beginners will be offered two-year beekeeping courses, organised in cooperation with the Latvian University of Agriculture. Within the framework of technical assistance, beekeepers will receive advice from apiculture consultants, researchers and voluntary consultants. The main activities of apiculture consultants and researchers will focus on the practical training of bee colony owners, the clinical examination of colonies, identification of possible bee diseases and treatments, advice on broadening the base of bee nutrition and the pollination of cultivated plants, recommendations on choosing the most appropriate locations and placement for apiaries, practical advice on tending bee colonies, propagation, harvesting, preliminary processing and preparation for sale of apiculture products, as well as economic projections for establishing profitable apiculture, choice of appropriate beekeeping equipment, choice of hive types and hive space suitable for the development of the apiculture sector. Training consultants and researchers and providing them with the required working conditions, materials, equipment and transport will make it possible for them to advise beekeepers throughout Latvia. Apiculture consultants will be trained in how to limit the spread of diseases, thereby reducing the use of treatment agents and the residue quantities in produce. During the programme s operating period, training seminars are planned for consultants, voluntary consultants, researchers and the leaders of groupings of beekeepers or cooperatives, on subjects concerning the combating of varroosis and associated diseases, the requirements of Latvian and European Union laws and regulations and common agricultural policy trends in relation to apiculture, options for improving honey production conditions in order to improve honey quality and safety, in addition to breeding and disease prevention, harvesting and packaging conditions, transport, marketing and other subjects connected with the apiculture sector which are necessary to achieve the programme s objectives. Subsequently, seminars on these subjects will be organised for beekeepers, to provide professional development for them. Seminars are also planned for beekeepers who are not members of the Latvian Beekeepers Association or any other apiculture organisations. As apiculture is engaged in throughout Latvia and the number of beekeeping beginners has grown in recent years, seminars are planned in all the regions of Latvia as close as possible to where beekeepers are found, in order to attract as many interested people as possible, because it is precisely the owners of small apiaries who are unable to attend if seminars are held far from their homes, and yet many small apiaries are still kept by beekeepers who have insufficient knowledge on the control of bee diseases who do not have the opportunity to keep up to date with the latest information and innovations in apiculture. During the programme s operating period, national and regional seminars, conferences, congresses and courses will be organised. Beekeepers, consultants, 16

17 voluntary consultants, staff attached to the programme and group or cooperative leaders will participate in regional and international congresses, conferences, seminars and courses. The main purpose of attending congresses, conferences, seminars and courses is to train staff, consultants, voluntary consultants, researchers, beekeepers and group or cooperative leaders. To ensure that information is circulated faster and more efficiently, letters with information will be drawn up and distributed, a website developed and maintained, and various information materials covering current issues in the apiculture sector will be prepared. Any beekeeper will be able to obtain the information materials when attending events organised under the programme or when visiting the office of one of the apiculture organisations. 2. Varroosis control. Varroosis is the most significant bee disease and the one that creates the greatest losses for apiculture in economic terms. The best results in the battle against this parasite, at a reduced cost and economic loss, are obtained when beekeepers appreciate and put a value on the seriousness of this disease, understand the significance of control measures and know how to apply them. Under the apiculture programme, beekeepers will receive help in the form of information, consultancy and material support aimed at combating varroosis and associated diseases, but the programme s framework does not provide for financial support for beekeepers to combat varroosis. The main purpose of the programme is to secure an effective supply of information to beekeepers by organising seminars and ensuring the availability of consultancy services, and to ensure free access to varroosis-control equipment and the substances necessary to combat the disease. This equipment and these substances will be available to all beekeepers within the limits of the allocated funding. Many beekeepers use organic methods to combat varroosis. As new apparatus and new technologies have been developed for applying these methods, they must be tested in Latvian conditions so as to develop recommendations for beekeepers. Organic beekeeping is growing in Latvia; in order to boost its popularity and encourage successful beekeeping, it is essential to develop methods of beekeeping that are, on the one hand, more environmentally friendly and provide consumers with safe and high-quality apiculture products, but are also sufficiently effective in preventing varroosis on the other. In order to encourage beekeepers to opt increasingly for organic methods, it is essential to continue to work on the approval and popularisation of these methods and demonstrate actual research results obtained in Latvian conditions on-site in apiaries and at seminars. Work on determining the spread of bee diseases associated with varroosis has confirmed that varroa-borne bee viruses are present in Latvia and that they have a major impact on the health of bee colonies, and furthermore, in the event of strong varroosis infestation, problems also arise with other infectious and invasive diseases. The spread of varroosis produces conditions favourable to outbreaks of other diseases, and so it is necessary to continue the diagnosis of bee viruses associated with varroosis and determine their extent, and to diagnose and combat other associated diseases in order to help beekeepers to maintain vigorous and healthy colonies, which 17

18 will in turn reduce the use of various drugs and chemical substances and encourage the production of pure apiculture products. Research into the control of varroosis and associated diseases will be carried out in cooperation with the Latvian University of Agriculture s Faculty of Agriculture, and certain beekeeping enthusiasts who can ensure appropriate research conditions. 3. Measures to support the restocking of hives in the European Union. The measure provides for support to encourage queen-bee breeding in honeybee breeding organisations, but no financial aid is to be provided to beekeepers. Under the measure, recommendations aimed at beekeepers working at different scales will be drawn up to encourage the continuous renewal of bee colonies. The breeding, purchase, reproduction and valuation of queen bees will be ensured and will make queen bees of known provenance available to beekeepers and thus reduce bee losses. The measure will be introduced and implemented by honey-bee breeding organisations. As part of the programme there are plans to purchase bee feed and ensure that it is delivered to beekeepers involved in the breeding programme, since providing high-quality winter feed is particularly important for breeding colonies so that the new bee progenitrices survive the winter well and their mortality is reduced. To ensure renewal of the number of bees in the European Union and to encourage new beekeepers to try out practical apiculture, it is planned that new beekeepers, who have completed two-year professional development courses in apiculture, be supplied with beekeeping work garments or implements for the successful commencement of their activities. 4. Cooperation with specialised bodies for the implementation of applied research programmes in the field of beekeeping and apiculture products. Improvements in the quality of honey quality can be made if certain defined physico-chemical indicators are known. In Latvia, supervision of honey quality indicators is carried out by stipulating minimum requirements in accordance with Latvian laws and regulations on quality, classification and labelling requirements for honey. Under the programme, the flower-pollen content, antibiotic and acaricide residues, heavy metals and quality indicators will be defined for selected honey samples. The LBB will advise honey producers of the results obtained, thereby creating a feedback loop. Analysis of the physico-chemical indicators of honey from botanical sources will enable beekeepers to obtain accurate information about honey quality and consequently allow them to better price their product on the market. When implementing these measures, the LBB will work with beekeepers, members of beekeeping associations and groupings of beekeepers, BIOR (the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and the Environment), the Latvian University of Agriculture and the Hohenheim University Apicultural State Institute in Germany, which specialises in research into residues in apiculture products. 5. Rationalisation of transhumance measures not provided for. 6. Measures to support laboratories carrying out analyses of the physicochemical properties of honey not provided for. 18

19 IV. Break-down of programme funding According to Agricultural Data Centre data, bee colonies were registered in Latvia at the beginning of The total amount for implementing the national programme, in compliance with current European Union rules and the number of colonies in Latvia, is LVL or EUR Measures and funding in 2014 Measure Technical support for beekeepers and groups of beekeepers Courses, seminars, congresses, conferences Training of apiculture researchers, consultants and beekeepers Technical assistance for members of beekeepers associations and groups of beekeepers Preparation of information and distribution to beekeepers Varroosis control Testing of various anti-varroosis preparations and methods Costs of controlling varroosis Demonstrations Publications Measures to support the restocking of hives in the European Union Cooperation with specialised bodies for the implementation of applied research programmes in the field of beekeeping and apiculture products Total LVL Anticipated costs 50 % Latvian funding, LVL 50 % EU co-financing, LVL Costs of analysing research results, collection of samples, packaging and dispatch, collation and publication of results Total for programme Measures and funding in 2015 Measure Anticipated costs 19

20 Technical support for beekeepers and groups of beekeepers Courses, seminars, congresses, conferences Training of apiculture researchers, consultants and beekeepers Technical assistance for members of beekeepers associations and groups of beekeepers Preparation of information and distribution to beekeepers Varroosis control Testing of various anti-varroosis preparations and methods Costs of controlling varroosis Demonstrations Publications Measures to support the restocking of hives in the European Union Cooperation with specialised bodies for the implementation of applied research programmes in the field of beekeeping and apiculture products Total LVL 50 % Latvian funding, LVL 50 % EU co-financing, LVL Costs of analysing research results, collection of samples, packaging and dispatch, collation and publication of results Total for programme Measures and funding in 2016 Measure Technical support for beekeepers and groups of beekeepers Total LVL Anticipated costs 50 % Latvian funding, LVL 50 % EU co-financing, LVL Courses, seminars, congresses, conferences Training of apiculture researchers, consultants and beekeepers Technical assistance for members of beekeepers associations and groups of beekeepers Preparation of information and distribution to beekeepers 20

21 Varroosis control Testing of various anti-varroosis preparations and methods Costs of controlling varroosis Demonstrations Publications Measures to support the restocking of hives in the European Union Cooperation with specialised bodies for the implementation of applied research programmes in the field of beekeeping and apiculture products Costs of analysing research results, collection of samples, packaging and dispatch, collation and publication of results Total for programme V. Development of programme Latvia has one national professional beekeepers organisation, the LBB. Recently, the Latvian Professional Beekeepers Association was founded, but, as it only commenced operating as the Latvian Professional Beekeepers Association in 2012 and only has a few members, the leading representative of the sector nationally is considered to be the LBB, which has branches in all regions and brings together more than beekeepers from the whole country. A number of regional beekeeping organisation have been established and were consulted in developing this programme and are and will be involved in implementing the programme. In Latvia, members of professional beekeeping organisations own around 90 % of colonies. The following participated in the development of the programme: Latvia s Ministry of Agriculture Latvian Beekeepers Association (LBB) Ogre Beekeeping Association Latvian Professional Beekeepers Association Kandavmuiža Beekeepers Society Bišu karalis (King Bee) Society Latgolys bitinīks (Latgale Beekeeper) Society For beekeepers who are not members of a professional beekeeping organisation, a description of the national programme will be available at internet site and from branch representatives of the Association. VI. Monitoring and evaluation of the programme The LBB, as the only national professional organisation of beekeepers, is responsible for the introduction and implementation of the apiculture programme in the apiculture sector. On the basis of European Union legislation (Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 of 22 October 2007 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products 21

22 (Single CMO Regulation)) (hereinafter referred to as Regulation No 1234/2007 ) and Commission Regulation (EC) No 917/2004 of 29 April 2004 on detailed rules to implement Council Regulation (EC) No 797/2004 on actions in the field of beekeeping), Latvia has approved Cabinet Regulation No 99 of 7 February 2012, entitled Regulation on the granting of national and European Union aid for apiculture, procedure for its administration and monitoring, which lays down a procedure for monitoring and assessing the apiculture programme. The Rural Support Service is the competent authority responsible for control and on-the-spot checks, which are carried out on at least 5 % of all measures applied. Measures introduced under Latvia s Apiculture Programme do not qualify for the same measures offered by the Rural Development Programme