At the EWBA AGM on 27th October 2021 the EWBA membership voted overwhelmingly that East Waterford County be declared a voluntary conservation area to protect our Native Irish Honey Bee. This means that members are committed to keeping only Native Irish Black Bees and to encouraging other beekeepers in the area to do likewise.

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, has extended the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, giving State recognition to Beekeeping as a key practice of Ireland’s Living Cultural Heritage.

Minister Martin said:

“…living cultural heritage practices require knowledge and skill, and foster our sense of community and place. These practices thrive through the dedicated communities who sustain and pass on their skills and way of life to succeeding generations ensuring the continuance of these important traditions. Official State recognition and inscription onto the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural will raise awareness of these practices and traditions.”

The development and extension of Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage is an integral part of the work of the Department under the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage which requires States to recognise, protect and promote the living cultural heritage of their countries. There is now a total of 38 practices on Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, all of which were included following rigorous assessment by an expert advisory committee.

Paul O’Brien, Chairman of the Federation of Irish Beekeepers’ Associations said:

“This is a great day for Beekeeping in Ireland. We are indebted to the many generations of Beekeepers who came before us and to those who continue today to pass on the knowledge and skills of our ancient craft. We are proud to have achieved this milestone and would like to thank the Department for recognising the significance of Beekeeping in the Irish cultural landscape.”

For more information, please check the website of the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage at https://nationalinventoryich.chg.gov.ie/

As of 16/07/2020 the EWBA Apiary is registered with the Department of Agriculture as a food producer and therefore can sell Apiary honey to the general public.

EWBA is the first Beekeeping Association in Ireland to have their Apiary registered as a food producer.