Datenbank der Projekte zur ländlichen Entwicklung

A rural diversification project (measure 311) that aims to raise awarness of the importance of bee-keeping by developing purpose-built facilities; carrying out conservation works, and; offering teaching programmes to school groups and tourists.

The bee keeping sector in Austria has several challenges including: lack of trained bee keepers; little interest amongst young people in bee keeping; underestimation of the dangers of bee diseases; increasing difficulties keeping bees due to environmental factors; breeding gentle bees which still provide good financial returns, and; the increasing demand for natural bee products.

The project aims to increase understanding of the value of bees, particularly in organic production, and the health benefits of bee products through: a) study and training initiatives, and; b) establishing a demonstration and school apiary.

Project activities include: i) completing the demonstration and training building; ii) developing the building into production and marketing rooms; iii) providing guided tours for schools and tourist groups; iv) conservation of traditional skills, including hive and frame production and wax processing; v) delivering seminars and further education for young apiarist, and; vi) promoting the bee-keeping sector.

The first school classes visited 'Bee-Adventure World' in June 2010. Since then bee products are becoming more widely-known again and the interest of young people in the bee-keeping is increasing. It is hoped that this educational work will help increase the economic importance of bee-keeping again and in the future a farming family will be able to work full-time with their apiary.

Co-operation with the Austrian Bee-keeping Association was necessary and really benefited the project. However, despite the good work of this project there continues to be a great need for more education and training in apiary related topics.

Lower Austria

Niederösterreich

Austria

Not available

Leader Region Mostviertel-Mitte, Schloßstraße 1, A-3204 Kirchberg an der Pielach

leader@mostviertel-mitte.at

German