Special Directive on support to the apiculture sector 2023-2027

Beekeeper at work on the beehive
Photo: BML / Martina Siebenhandl

On 1 January 2023 the new Special Directive on support to the apiculture sector 2023-2027 (“Sonderrichtlinie Imkereiförderung 2023-2027”) entered into force. It serves the implementation of sectoral apiculture measures under the CAP Strategic Plan Austria 2023-2027.

The main functions of the beekeeping industry are the production of honey and other apiculture products as well as the maintenance of the ecological balance.

The support for apiculture is handled by Agrarmarkt Austria (AMA).

The following support measures exist:

  • "Training and further education, advisory services" (55-01)
  • “Netzwerkstelle Biene Österreich” (Bee Austria network point) (55-03)
  • "Getting started in beekeeping, conversion to organic beekeeping, organic feed" (55-02)
  • "Investments in the beekeeping sector" (55-04)
  • "Support of laboratories for the analysis of apiculture products" (55-06)
  • "Bee breeding (performance testing, breeding value evaluation, drone colonies, artificial insemination)" (55-05)
  • "Applied research and innovation in apiculture" (55-07)
  • "Communication, raising consumer awareness about the high quality of apiculture products, market monitoring" (55-08)

The Special Directive is valid until 31 December 2027. With the co-financing funds approved by the European Union, around 2.95 million euros of public funds are available annually for our beekeepers.