Trade in bees is permitted and governed by EU law. EU Animal Health Regulations set down rules for entry of bees into and movement within the EU. These EU Regulations contain specific provisions to safeguard the health of bees located in the territory of the Union.
My Department is very supportive of beekeepers and beekeeping associations in their efforts in the conservation of the native Irish honey bee. The Annual Grants to Irish National Beekeepers Federations which is Exchequer funded provides funding to the four Irish National Beekeepers Federations. In 2025, the four national beekeeping federations received a total of €25,500 through this measure for initiatives, including the conservation of the native Irish honey bee.
My Department also provides funding under the Conservation of Plant and Animal Genetic Resources Scheme. The Native Irish Honey Bee Society received funding in 2021 and 2024 under this scheme for projects related to the conservation of the native Irish honey bee and their application under the 2026 Scheme has also been approved.
My Department also supports Irish beekeeping through the provision of grant aid for capital investments by individual beekeepers in specialised beekeeping related equipment and structures including specialised bee breeding equipment. In addition, €121,000 was paid out under the National Apiculture Programme in 2025 to support beekeeping through an approved applied research project.
