The Ionian Islands Regional Agrifood Partnership, continuing its ongoing support for producers in the region, is set to implement intensive beekeeping training programmes throughout the Ionian Islands in collaboration with ELGO – DIMITRA.

These programmes are part of the project "Training / Education of Beekeepers - advisory services, training & technical assistance for beekeepers and beekeeping organisations", within the framework of the programme for strengthening the beekeeping sector, under the approved National Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy 2023-27.

The thematic units of the beekeeping training programmes include, but are not limited to:

• Principles of organising and operating an apiary, etc.
• Pests and diseases of bees, prevention and treatment methods.
• Standardisation, marketing, promotion and labelling of beekeeping products.
• National and EU legislation on food safety and hygiene, environmental legislation, and labour laws.

The training programmes will be held in 'DIMITRA' Centres or in venues provided by beekeeping cooperatives, associations, Beekeeping Centres, and/or Regional Units, to facilitate local accessibility for interested participants. The programmes are free of charge, lasting up to three days (up to 15 teaching hours), with a minimum requirement of 10 participants per group.

All trained beekeepers will receive a certificate of attendance upon completing the programme.

To organise training programmes for the beekeepers of our region, interested beekeepers must express their interest by emailing: Ionian.agro@gmail.com.