Encounter at FNAP's Headquarters
In a recent online meeting, representatives from the European Beekeeping Association (EBA) and the National Federation of Beekeepers of Portugal (FNAP) came together to discuss the future of beekeeping in Europe.
The EBA, a unifying platform for the European beekeeping community, reiterated the importance of unity and cooperation in working towards the interest of bees, beekeepers, and consumers across Europe. Tetyana Vasylkivska, Vice President of the EBA, emphasized the need for joint efforts to address the challenges facing European beekeepers.
The EBA's main mission is to maintain high standards of quality and safety for beekeeping products in Europe. This includes the continuous fight against counterfeit honey and the promotion of sustainable beekeeping practices. The EBA's website also invites all European associations to contact them and schedule meetings to review common capacities and agree on future cooperation.
During the meeting, Biljana Tomić, Secretary General of the EBA, reported on the Association's Statute and current activities. Mr. João Simões Cristovão, a member of the FNAP Supervisory Board, represented the National Federation of Beekeepers of Portugal. He spoke about beekeeping in Portugal, its composition, main problems, and ways to solve them.
Protecting the interests of Portuguese beekeeping, preserving the economic component of the activity, and ensuring a decent and quality life for all beekeepers are the goals of the FNAP. Founded on July 10, 1996, FNAP consists of 44 beekeeping organizations from all over Portugal, including cooperatives, associations, and producer groups.
The meeting concluded with the participants expressing their readiness for further contacts and meetings. If the EBA aligns with the goals of other European beekeeping associations, it might also focus on promoting beekeeping, conserving specific bee species, providing educational programs for beekeepers, and advocating for policies that benefit beekeepers and support sustainable beekeeping practices.
The EBA and FNAP's collaboration is a significant step towards securing a sustainable future for bees and beekeepers in Europe. As the demand for honey and other bee products continues to grow, it is crucial that efforts are made to ensure the long-term viability of beekeeping. By working together, European beekeeping associations can help ensure that bees continue to play a vital role in our ecosystems and that beekeepers are supported in their efforts to produce high-quality, sustainable products.
The EBA, in addition to its mission of maintaining high standards of quality and safety in beekeeping products, might also focus on promoting health-and-wellness practices within the beekeeping community in Europe, such as adopting sustainable beekeeping methods that promote the overall well-being of bees.
Taking into consideration the goals of the FNAP, which include the preservation of the economic component of beekeeping and ensuring a decent and quality life for all beekeepers, the EBA could also strive to improve the health-and-wellness of European beekeepers, fostering a healthier workforce that can effectively contribute to the long-term viability of the industry.
