Queen Rearing: Save a Greek Bee

Over the past quarter, the “Queen Rearing: Rescue and Genetic Improvement of Bees” program in Central Greece has focused on preparation, coordination, and strategic planning for the upcoming implementation phase. While field grafting activities remain seasonally paused, important groundwork has been taking place behind the scenes to ensure an even stronger restart in spring 2026.

During this period, the coordination team of New Agriculture New Generation and the scientific team from the Agricultural University of Athens have been holding regular coordination meetings. These sessions are dedicated to evaluating the previous grafting cycle, refining technical procedures, supporting the nine trained grafters, and carefully planning the relaunch of queen cell grafting activities in spring 2026.

Our shared goal remains clear: not only to meet our initial targets for the region of Central Greece, but to exceed them, expanding access to high-quality queen cells and strengthening genetic improvement practices among local beekeepers.

At the same time, applications have officially reopened for beekeepers who wish to express their interest in receiving queen cells during the upcoming grafting cycle.

At the same time, we are very pleased to announce that preparations are underway to relaunch the program in Thessaly in 2026. This initiative follows the successful implementation of our previous intervention in the region after Storm Daniel and the devastating damages it caused to local beekeeping activity. The scientific and coordination teams have already begun strategic meetings to define the next steps and structure of the new program. The official announcement of this renewed action in Thessaly is expected in March 2026.

The need remains urgent. Many beekeepers in Thessaly are still facing the long-term consequences of Storm Daniel, working to rebuild their apiaries, restore production, and secure their livelihoods. By expanding our program once again in the region, we aim to provide meaningful technical support, improve colony resilience, and help strengthen the local beekeeping ecosystem.

As we enter this new phase of preparation and expansion, your support is more important than ever. Especially now, as we prepare to relaunch activities both in Central Greece and in Thessaly, your contribution directly empowers beekeepers who continue to face the lasting impacts of Storm Daniel.

Together, we are not only improving queen genetics, but we are rebuilding resilience, protecting biodiversity, and supporting rural communities in times of recovery and renewal.

Thank you for standing with us and being part of this journey!

Over the past six months, the “Queen Rearing: Rescue and Genetic Improvement of Bees” program has continued to make significant progress in Central Greece. Following the completion of the first training cycle earlier this year, the project entered its most active implementation phase — the queen cell grafting period.

From April to September 2025, the grafting process was in full operation across the four regional units of Central Greece: Boeotia, Evrytania, Fokida, and Fthiotida. During this period, weekly coordination meetings took place between the nine grafters, the coordination team of New Agriculture New Generation, and the scientific team from the Agricultural University of Athens. These meetings ensured the smooth execution of the program’s second phase, providing ongoing technical support, problem-solving, and exchange of field experiences among participants.

The grafters worked closely with local beekeepers to implement the queen rearing techniques they had learned during the training phase. Their dedication and collaboration have been truly inspiring.

To date, an additional 60 queen cell grafting procedures have been successfully completed, bringing the total number of graftings to 110 across the region. These graftings represent both a tangible outcome and a growing network of trained practitioners capable of transferring knowledge and services to fellow beekeepers.

Due to weather and environmental conditions, the grafting activities had to pause in September. However, the process will resume in spring 2026, when conditions once again become favorable for queen rearing.

Beyond its technical achievements, this project continues to foster community empowerment, promote environmental sustainability, and safeguard the genetic diversity of Greek bees. Each trained grafter now serves as a local ambassador of innovation and resilience within the beekeeping sector of Central Greece.

We are deeply grateful for your continued support. Together, we are not only strengthening rural livelihoods but also protecting biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for bees and beekeepers alike.

Join us in empowering beekeepers and protecting nature. Thank you for being part of this journey.