IRISH BEE FOUNDATION
Our Mission
The mission of the Irish Bee Foundation is to provide a structured approach to education for its members, which is conveyed through its branches, along with linking further education opportunities with like-minded third level colleges.
The organisation is focused on the promotion, preservation, and protection of the native Irish black bee through education of its members.
Our Statement Against the Importation of Bees
The Irish Bee Foundation fully aligns with the principles outlined by the Native Irish Honeybee Society (NIHBS) regarding the importation of bees. We strongly oppose the practice due to the significant risks it poses to Ireland’s native honeybee population, including the spread of diseases, introduction of pests, and potential genetic disruption of the Apis mellifera mellifera.
A New Beginning
After years of supporting beekeeping organisations in Ireland, many beekeepers have noticed that the existing engagement and training programs at a national level could benefit from improvement. A group of dedicated beekeepers established the Irish Bee Foundation in response to this need.
2025 Membership Benefits
- 3rd Party Beekeeping Insurance through Hiscox
- Reduced rate subscriptions to BeeCraft details emailed to each member (on receipt of payment) in their welcome letter.
- Monthly Zoom meeting for all members – the topic of the meeting will vary monthly from Guest Lectures to Irish Bee Foundation updates (2nd Tuesday of each month starting January 2025)
- The aim to hold a Beekeeping Convention during the late summer of 2025 – although this will be dependent on membership numbers and expressions of help to organise.
The Education Programme
A primary commitment of the Foundation is to establish a robust Education system that works in harmoney with the bees, as well as aiming to build the knowledge, confidence and efficiancy of the Beekeeper. Below is just a sneak peak into what is on offer with the core aim being to create a holistic, collaberative & evolving programme:
- Grade 1 – Introduction to Beekeeping will be available to all Branches from February 2025
- Grade 2 – Beginners (Module 1 of 2) will be available from late Spring 2025
- Grade 3 – Beginners (Module 2 of 2) will be available late Summer 2025
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