Promote beekeeping techniques necessary for the conservation and development of bees

Mellifera's goal is to promote the beekeeping techniques necessary for the conservation and development of honeybees. The association brings together small-scale beekeepers who are adopting state-of-the-art techniques to contribute to the preservation of bees in our region

Mellifera’s goal is to promote the beekeeping techniques necessary for the conservation and development of honeybees.

Since globalization took hold, parasites have spread worldwide:

In fact, in 1982, the bee parasite "Varroa" appeared in France, having come from Asia; it is the primary cause of colony decline by weakening the bees and facilitating the transmission of viruses and other diseases.

Since 2009, the Asian giant hornet has been invading our region, causing major predation problems for all insects... including bees.

In October 2021, the Oriental hornet, a major predator of bees, was recorded in Marseille.
 

A long-term selection process began in 2014, and members of the association are conducting a research program to identify bees that demonstrate an ability to eliminate varroa mites.
The association is closely monitoring this behavior, and members are working to preserve these genes for future generations. 
Since 2001, knowledge and techniques for controlling the Asian hornet have improved. These range from the development of trapping techniques and effective baits to methods for locating nests. native bees that have been genetically introgressed. (Introgression is a form of genetic pollution)
 

Thus, today, across France, we are faced with a diverse population of unselected bees, which are more or less adapted to their environment.

By controlling the reproduction of bee strains that show better adaptation, we are able to maintain the resilience of our hives even as they face the same challenges as those that are disappearing. Rigorous selection and monitoring of our bees’ pedigrees allow us to preserve hardy bees.