User:Gus McCoy/sandbox

{{User sandbox}Gus McCoy/Sandbox}

The Federation of Irish Beekeepers’ Associations clg, (FIBKA) is the largest and most progressive beekeeping organisation on the Island of Ireland for mainly hobbyist beekeepers. FIBKA can trace its history of organised beekeeping in Ireland to the 1880’s, having been re-constituted in 1943. Boasting a growing membership of over 3,500 it provides a range of services to its 50 plus affiliated Associations and members including, a strong education programme from Beginners to Senior examinations leading on to Lectureship and Honey Judge level. While welcoming all Beekeepers, among FIBKA's goals is the promotion of the conservation of the Apis mellifera mellifera, 'the native Irish dark bee'. A summer course in beekeeping is held annually since 1961, bringing together beekeepers from near and far to learn and gain knowledge from lecturers, workshops and shared experiences. FIBKA is a signatory, contributor to, and supporter of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, and is a member of the European Professional Beekeepers Association, Apimondia (World Beekeeping), the UK National Honey Show, The International Centre for Young Beekeepers and the Tree Council of Ireland.