The Algarve CCDR pointed out that support for beekeepers is being granted through “applications for intervention (…) 'Support for beekeeping for biodiversity' within the scope of the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan (PEPAC)”, which has available an amount of 20 million euros and has already received “more than 300 applications nationally”.

The objective of the measure is “to contribute to the natural pollination of plants, promoting the conservation and recovery of the biodiversity of native flora, supporting the maintenance of the bee population”, explained the Algarve CCDR in a statement.

The application process began on June 28th, for a period of two months, and interested beekeepers can still submit a request for support until August 28th, explained the Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission.

According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, “more than 300 applications have already been submitted nationally for this support”, which has a total available budget of 20 million euros, for which “people or businesses, of public or private nature, who carry out beekeeping activities”, highlighted the CCDR.

The regional commission highlighted that only “one application per beneficiary will be accepted during the three-year commitment period” and added that “are indispensable conditions” for beekeepers to be registered as IFAP [Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries Financing] beneficiaries and to update the Bank Identification Number (NIB), email address and information contained in the Beekeeping Activity Register.

“Support is granted in the form of a non-refundable grant, in a fixed amount modality, depending on the level in which the beneficiary is: with between 10 and less than 25 hives, the support is 125 euros and for those who have between 50 and less than 150 hives the aid is 250 euros”.

The same source added that the support will be 625 euros, for those who have between 50 and less than 150 hives, and 1,324 euros, for beneficiaries who have between 150 and less than 250 hives.

Beneficiaries with 250 and less than 500 hives will receive aid of 2,060 euros, while those with more than 500 hives will be able to receive support of 3,000 euros.

The CCDR highlighted that, in the Algarve, “beekeeping has significant relevance, resulting in a production of more than 1,500 tons of honey per year, carried out by more than 1,200 registered beekeepers, the vast majority of whom are professionals”.

The district of Faro is also the region of the country with the “highest proportion of professional beekeepers”, a category recognised for producers with more than 150 hives, said the CCDR of the Algarve, a geographical area where beekeeping activity has been affected in recent years due to drought, causing food shortages in the countryside, production losses or loss of personnel.