Beekeeper boom in NRW: beekeeping becomes female and urban

Beekeeper boom in NRW: beekeeping becomes female and urban

In recent years, a remarkable change in beekeeping has occurred in North Rhine-Westphalia. The number of beekeepers has almost doubled, which illustrates the increasing interest in beekeeping in the region. Marika Harz, an expert in bee science at the North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Agriculture in Münster, reports that the number of registered beekeepers has increased from 8,000 to 9,000 to impressive 19,000 in recent years. This is accompanied by the number of bee colonies, from around 62,000 to a proud 163,000.

This growth is not only due to an increase among traditional beekeepers, but also reflects a broader social development. Harz emphasizes that women who were once underrepresented in beekeeping are increasingly interested in this activity. "Beekeeping has become female, modern and urban," she explains and thus illustrates the growing influence of women in this area. In addition, leisure time, especially in urban areas, is enjoying growing popularity. The distribution of beekeeping to a larger area is crucial for the preservation of biodiversity in the region.

challenges from the weather

Despite these positive developments, there are also challenges that the beekeepers face. The cool and rainy weather in spring has a great influence this year. According to a survey carried out by 1,115 beekeeping in North Rhine -Westphalia, the bees collected only 10.5 kilograms of spring honey per people on average. This is contrasting to the nationwide average values, which are 14.7 kilograms per people. This difference illustrates the effects of the weather on the crop results and presents the beekeepers with new challenges.

The summer honey harvest, on the other hand, seems to be better off according to the Chamber of Agriculture. At the end of September, the final results of the summer harvest are expected, with the previous tendencies appearing to be promising. These current harvesting conditions are important because they influence the income of the beekeepers and the quality of regionally produced honey that is offered on the market.

In order to further promote quality and knowledge of beekeeping, the association of the Chamber of Agriculture, known as “API”, plays a central role in the training of new beekeepers. With initiatives such as the internet platform “Die Honigmacher”, the association supports further training and information about the beekeeping. These resources are of great importance in order to train the increasing number of beekeepers well and to equip it with the necessary knowledge that they need for a successful beekeeping.

growth of the beekeeping in NRW

The growing community of beekeepers in North Rhine-Westphalia shows that the interest in beekeeping is not just a trend, but is a significant movement. More and more people recognize the importance of bees for our ecosystem and their own environment. This increase in bee colonies not only contributes to the biological diversity, but is also a positive sign of the environmental movement as a whole.

the flexibility and adaptability of the beekeepers are crucial. The combination of traditional knowledge and modern approaches will make it possible to continue to successfully design beekeeping in the future. The BOOM of the beekeeping in North Rhine -Westphalia could thus serve as an example for other regions that want to pursue similar trends.

The integration of more women into beekeeping and support of newcomers through established network platforms show that there is a sustainable and positive change in beekeeping. At a time when the bees are under more pressure than ever, this commitment of beekeeping is a connection to a broader social responsibility and the desire to cause a positive change in the environment.

The importance of bee colonies for biodiversity

The increase in bee colonies in North Rhine-Westphalia not only affects beekeeping itself, but also plays a crucial role in biodiversity and ecological balance. Bees are important pollinators and contribute significantly to the pollination of flowers and crops. According to the research institute for the biology of bees, pollinators, which also include bees, have a direct impact on around 75 percent of the most important crops worldwide.

A large number of wild plants are also dependent on bees in order to be able to reproduce. This interaction between pollares and plant species ensures that ecosystems remain stable and the food basis for many animals is preserved. Due to the decline in natural habitats and the use of pesticides, the preservation of bee colonies and their habitats has become an important ecological task.

challenges for beekeeping

Despite the increase in beekeeping numbers and bee colonies, the beekeepers in North Rhine-Westphalia face some challenges. Climatic changes, such as the cold already mentioned in spring, can have a significant impact on the honey harvest. A FAO report (Nutrition and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations) emphasizes that changing climate patterns can affect the flowering times of plants and consequently on food supply for bees. This means that beekeepers have to adapt their practice to these changes to ensure the health of their peoples.

The role of organizations in the training of beekeepers

Organizations such as the North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Agriculture and the “APIS” association play a crucial role in supporting new and experienced beekeepers. These organizations offer training, workshops and information materials that make it possible to expand knowledge of bee -friendly practices. By providing resources and the exchange of knowledge, you promote the best conditions for beekeeping.

In addition to practical training, emphasis is also placed on scientifically sound knowledge, for example through research on the effects of pesticides on bee populations. Such programs help to spread knowledge about sustainable beekeeping and make it possible to better adapt to the extraordinary challenges with which beekeeping is confronted.