Necessities of Life: Food, Clothing and Shelter Week
Let’s BEE sustainable! - Innovations and Sustainability in Hungarian Beekeeping
Hungary
Hungary is one of the leading beekeeping nations in the European Union, with centuries-old traditions and a uniquely high density of bee colonies — approximately 13 per square kilometer. Home to nearly 1.2 million bee colonies and over 20,000 beekeepers, Hungary’s ecological conditions are ideal for beekeeping across most of the country. Each year, Hungary produces between 25,000 and 30,000 tons of honey, 60% of which is exported. Among its products, Hungarian acacia honey stands out as a true rarity, recognized as a Hungarikum, while the country’s multifloral and varietal honeys are also of outstanding quality.
This event will spotlight how Hungarian beekeepers are adapting to the challenges of a changing world to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector. Topics will include adaptation to shifting floral resources, technological innovation in beekeeping, and the importance of continuous professional education. New Hungarian innovations in apicultural tools will also be presented — solutions with potential interest for the international beekeeping community.
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Recorded video available
Discussion
- Food tech
- Smart agriculture/forestry/fisheries industry
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese and English |
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Track Programme
- Time and
Date of
the event -
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2025.06.13[Fri]
18:30 ～ 20:30
(Venue Open 18:00)
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- Venue
- Theme Weeks Studio
Programme details
*Subtitles: Choose “Subtitles/CC” in the “Settings” (gear icon) at the bottom right of the YouTube video.
*Subtitles may not show with multiple languages or overlapping audio.
Programme:
- Opening speech
by Dr. István Nagy (Minister of Agriculture, Hungary)
- The ecological and agricultural importance of bees, and the impact of climate change on beekeeping
Speaker: Ildikó Arany (Bükk National Park Directorate / Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences)
- Environmental sustainability: Changes in floral resources from natural and cultivated lands over the past 30 years
Speaker: Dr. András Bónai (Hungarian Beekeepers’ Association)
- Presentation of innovative Hungarian beekeeping technologies
Speaker: Ferenc Stencli (Hungarian Beekeepers’ Association)
- Hungarian acacia honey in the context of social and environmental sustainability: Educational programs and national outreach
Panel Discussion Participants:
Péter Ondré (Agricultural Marketing Centre)
Ildikó Arany (Bükk National Park Directorate / Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences)
Ferenc Stencli – (Hungarian Beekeepers’ Association)
Dr. András Bónai (Hungarian Beekeepers’ Association)
- Q&A Session
Reports
【Reflection】
The panel discussion titled “Let’s BEE Sustainable! - Innovations and Sustainability in Hungarian Beekeeping” aimed to highlight the integral role of bees in agriculture and environmental sustainability. It welcomed distinguished guests, including government officials and representatives from various organizations, all dedicated to the preservation of bee populations and the promotion of sustainable beekeeping practices.
The opening remarks emphasized the importance of bees not only for their production of honey but also for their critical role in pollination, which is essential for the health of ecosystems and the stability of food systems. The speaker expressed gratitude to all attendees, indicating that their presence signifies a shared appreciation for bees and the need to protect them.
The keynote speaker, Dr. István Nagy, Hungary's Minister of Agriculture, was invited to deliver an official address. His speech highlighted the urgent need for supporting beekeeping and protecting bee populations, addressing the challenges posed by climate change and other environmental factors.
Following Dr. Nagy’s remarks, a short film was presented to showcase Hungary’s beekeeping traditions, enhancing attendees' understanding of the cultural context within which these practices occur. The film served as both an educational tool and a way to foster appreciation for Hungary's rich beekeeping heritage.
After the film, the presentations and the panel discussion focused on the significance of pollination, particularly the role played by bees. Pollination was described as a crucial biological function that links the male and female parts of flowering plants, facilitating their reproduction. It was noted that about 90% of flowering plant species rely on animal pollinators, with bees being the most efficient among them. Various pollinators, including butterflies, moths, and specialized flies, were acknowledged; however, bees were highlighted for their unique adaptations that make them champions of pollination.
The speeches and discussions also touched on the diversity of bee species, with over 20,000 known throughout the world. Their physical characteristics were detailed, such as their hairy bodies, which can attract pollen due to electrostatic charges, and specific structures like pollen baskets on their hind legs for collecting pollen efficiently.
Furthermore, the phenomenon of buzz pollination, used by bumblebees to release pollen tightly held in flowers, was explained. This technique is particularly effective for plants like cranberries and tomatoes, showcasing the specialized behaviours that different bee species have developed over time to enhance their role in ecosystems.
Overall, the conference aimed to foster dialogue about the importance of bees for biodiversity, agriculture, and the vulnerable ecological balance amid climate change. The collaboration among experts, policy-makers, and advocates for beekeeping was emphasized as vital for advancing innovations that support sustainable practices and ensure the survival of bee populations. The discussion concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to engage in efforts to protect bees and their habitats, reflecting a collective commitment to sustainability and the future of beekeeping in Hungary and beyond.
【Post EXPO Initiatives 】
Following “Let’s BEE Sustainable! - Innovations and Sustainability in Hungarian Beekeeping,” Hungary has several initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable beekeeping and protecting bee populations.
1. **National Beekeeping Strategy**: Hungary is developing a comprehensive national strategy to protect bees and their habitats. This strategy will focus on supporting beekeepers through education and sustainable practices.
2. **Research and Innovation Grants**: The government will allocate funds for research projects that aim to enhance bee health and productivity, as well as develop new technologies for sustainable beekeeping.
3. **Education and Awareness Programs**: To raise awareness about the significance of bees, Hungary plans to implement educational initiatives targeting schools and communities. These programs will cover the role of bees in pollination and the challenges they face.
4. **Collaborations and Partnerships**: Hungary will establish partnerships with local and international organizations dedicated to bee conservation. By sharing resources and knowledge, these collaborations aim to improve sustainable practices in beekeeping.
5. **Pollinator-Friendly Policies**: The government will review agricultural policies to promote practices that are beneficial to pollinators, including organic farming and reduced pesticide use.
6. **Community Engagement Initiatives**: Local communities will be encouraged to participate in workshops and projects related to beekeeping, fostering a sense of responsibility toward bee conservation.
7. **Monitoring and Data Collection**: Hungary plans to enhance monitoring efforts regarding bee populations, creating a database to track species diversity and health.
8. **International Collaboration**: Hungary aims to connect with global initiatives focused on bee conservation, sharing best practices and participating in international forums.
These initiatives reflect Hungary’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability of its beekeeping industry and recognizing the essential role bees play in the ecosystem.
Cast
Speakers
István Nagy
Minister of Agriculture, Hungary
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Ildikó Arany
PhD, Advisor, Bükk National Directorate & Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Ildikó Arany has a background in biology and her early career experiences included research in vegetation ecology and biodiversity policy at national and EU level. She earned a PhD in the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences in the topic of assessing honey provisioning capacity as an ecosystem service. During her research she has applied participatory methods, working with several beekeepers. Currently she works for the Bükk National Park Directorate, being responsible for, among other topics, the protection of pollinator species. She is an amateur beekeeper herself.
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Dr. András Bónai
Full time beekeper, Vice President of the Hungarian Beekeepers’ Association
He graduated as an Animal Breeding Agricultural Engineer, and later as a Specialist Microbiologist. He earned a doctorate in Animal Breeding Sciences. He has taught Microbiology at the university level, while Animal Breeding and Animal Hygiene at the secondary school level. He has been involved in beekeeping for twenty years and has been a full-time beekeeper for the past ten years. He currently manages more than one hundred bee colonies. As a part of adult education, he teaches beekeeping, offering both online and practical training courses, and he also serves as an examiner within the beekeeping education and certification process. He has been active in beekeeping public affairs for five years, both nationally and internationally. Furthermore, he is the Vice President of the Hungarian National Beekeeping Association.
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Ferenc Stencli
Full time beekeper, Member of the Presidency of the Hungarian Beekeepers’ Association
He is a full-time beekeeper. He holds a degree in Technical Management and a master’s in Economics. He initially worked for multinational companies in the fields of information management and service management. Fourteen years ago, he decided to leave that career path and join his family’s beekeeping business instead. Beekeeping has been a tradition in his family for more than a hundred years, therefore, he was born into this profession, and he also earned a professional qualification in beekeeping in 2012. Today, he and his father manage between 200 and 300 bee colonies. He is also a member of the executive board of the Hungarian National Beekeeping Association.
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Péter Ondré
Managing Director of Agricultural Marketing Centre
He has been the Managing Director of the Agricultural Marketing Centre since 2018. Under his leadership, the organization has launched numerous campaigns to promote consumption, particularly in the honey sector. In recent years, promotional efforts have focused on showcasing the diverse range of honey types—especially varietal honeys—while also highlighting the sector's role in agriculture and the importance of pollination. In addition, the organization maintains continuous and close contact with honey producers, who are its regular professional partners. During international export promotions, they provide numerous exhibitors with the opportunity to present themselves, thereby enhancing the global reputation of Hungarian honey.
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Necessities of Life: Food, Clothing and Shelter Week
Let’s BEE sustainable! - Innovations and Sustainability in Hungarian Beekeeping
Hungary is one of the leading beekeeping nations in the European Union, with centuries-old traditions and a uniquely high density of bee colonies — approximately 13 per square kilometer. Home to nearly 1.2 million bee colonies and over 20,000 beekeepers, Hungary’s ecological conditions are ideal for beekeeping across most of the country. Each year, Hungary produces between 25,000 and 30,000 tons of honey, 60% of which is exported. Among its products, Hungarian acacia honey stands out as a true rarity, recognized as a Hungarikum, while the country’s multifloral and varietal honeys are also of outstanding quality.
This event will spotlight how Hungarian beekeepers are adapting to the challenges of a changing world to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector. Topics will include adaptation to shifting floral resources, technological innovation in beekeeping, and the importance of continuous professional education. New Hungarian innovations in apicultural tools will also be presented — solutions with potential interest for the international beekeeping community.
※
-
2025.06.13[Fri]
18:30～20:30
(Venue Open 18:00)
- Theme Weeks Studio
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
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