Congress

Introducing the Organizers

UNAF

The National Union of French Beekeeping (UNAF) is a representative beekeeping union bringing together more than 100 departmental unions and organizations.

Founded in 1945, UNAF now represents thousands of beekeepers, from small producers to professionals, through a network of unions and associations spread across metropolitan and overseas France.

Its role: to defend the interests of the French beekeeping sector, protect bees, support sustainable beekeeping practices, and promote the production of high-quality honeys and hive products.

UNAF works with institutions, participates in major agricultural and environmental policies, and represents the voice of beekeepers in public debate.

Abeille Gasconne

The Abeille Gasconne Syndicate was created on January 10, 1920 and very quickly, the teaching apiary and the GDSA were created, the links that unite us are very strong and animated by the same intention to promote our passion and profession in the field of beekeeping.

Our missions:

Actions:

  • To pool the profession's defensive measures (hornets, food shortages, insurance, pesticides, etc.);
  • To negotiate and secure group purchases (or equipment rentals) for our members;
  • To defend our bees and our interests with public authorities (the health of our bees);

Promotion:

  • Our beekeeping profession;
  • The honeys and hive products of our department ;
  • Promoting our members and their products with the union's image (exhibitions, trade shows, events, etc.);

Informing:

  • Uncovering fraud and abuse (traceability of bee products);
  • Using scientists or professionals (technical, health, beekeeping practices, etc.);
  • Informational conferences on specific topics related to our profession;
  • Specific "beekeeping" training

Raising awareness:

  • Introductory beekeeping training with the Rucher École 47 (Beekeeping School 47) ;
  • Communicating with businesses
  • Informing the public about the difficulties faced by beekeepers (bee-killing pesticides, practices that destroy nectar-producing habitats, etc.).

Beekeeping in Nouvelle-Aquitaine:

  • According to the same regional study, the region has approximately 182,400 bee colonies (hives) in production (2023 data).
  • In France, the total number of hives overwintered at the end of 2023 is estimated at approximately 1,850,000 hives declared to the DGAL (Directorate General for Food).
  • New Aquitaine therefore possesses approximately 9% to 10% of the national beekeeping stock (182,400 out of ~1,850,000 hives).
  • The region ranks among the top 3 French regions in terms of registered beekeepers, often behind Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Grand Est, but ahead of several regions (including PACA or Occitanie, depending on the year).
  • According to some honey production estimates, the region is also among the largest producers of French honey, with regional production exceeding 4,000 tonnes in recent years (FranceAgriMer/ITSAP data), behind Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes but at or above other major regions.

Partners:

The European Beekeeping Congress relies on a strong network of institutional partners, media outlets, and committed stakeholders in the sector.
Their presence helps enrich the event's content, promote key moments, and enhance its reach.
We thank them for their support and commitment.

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