Apiculture directive sets limits on commercial beekeeping, cross-breeding projects
A directive from agricultural officials lays down new rules for beekeepers in the country, restricting the types of species that can be used in apiaries and introducing strict terms for research and cross-breeding practices.
The directive, which has been in the pipeline since the Apiculture Resources Development and Protection Proclamation was ratified nearly a decade ago, outlines the extensive procedures that beekeepers and researchers are expected to follow.
Effective this month, the directive prohibits commercial beekeepers from importing live bees, used hives, beekeeping equipment, and other related materials.
The law states that any foreigner looking to conduct research on honey bees, apiculture, honey bee flora, and general apiculture must first obtain a permit from the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority.
Requirements for these permits entail presenting proof that the applicant has not brought any honey bee species into the country with them, and consent to inspections from the authorities.
The directive instructs that research on honey bee species can only be conducted in the ecological niche where the sub-species are native and that the researcher, upon completion of their work, must present their full findings to “concerned bodies.”
The law prohibits the export of honey bees following the completion of research.
It also features a number of new guidelines for species improvement and cross-breeding ventures.
While permits for these types of projects can be obtained via authorized institutions or through private businesses and associations, the Authority has the mandate to register any improved crossbred species that may result from the venture.
Individuals that have acquired an improved species through crossbreeding are obliged to provide full records of the new breed and get it approved by a committee, according to the directive.
The law’s section on apiculture protection lists several requirements to be met by people residing in the surroundings of commercial beekeepers’ apiaries.
It looks to limit the use of pesticides and other chemicals around apiaries, obliging individuals looking to do so to notify any beekeepers residing within a four-kilometer radius 72 hours prior to the application of chemicals.
