Members of APIMONDIA EC participated in the MELIZA Beekeeping Fair in Spain, organized by the Professional Beekeepers Union APIS DURII.

From Friday, February 20th to Sunday, February 22nd, 2016, MELIZA, one of the largest beekeeping fairs in Spain, was held in the city of Zamora.

This seventh edition of the exhibition featured more than 170 stands, including suppliers of beekeeping equipment and services as well as beekeepers offering their products (honey, propolis, pollen, etc.) directly to the public. This is a unique characteristic of MELIZA, which brings together not only beekeepers but also consumers from across the region.

Together with the exhibition, a wide range of activities were offered to the public, from honey tasting, games and music for young children, to technical conferences dedicated to beekeepers. Miguel Vilas-Boas, President of the Scientific Commission on Technology and Quality of APIMONDIA, open the first session on Friday with a talk on “Beekeeping and Quality Products in a Climate-Change Environment.”

The conferences continued on Saturday with international guest, Susan Cobey (USA), Egoitz Galartza (Spain), and Keith Delaplane (UK), and on Sunday with Sergio Perandín (Italy) and Lucas Martínez, President of the APIMONDIA Regional Commission for the Americas, who addressed the topic of the “EU-Mercosur Agreement: A Strategic Agreement for European Beekeeping?” thus bringing the conference series to a close.

The event stood out for the strong participation of beekeepers from Spain and Portugal, the presence of companies from twelve countries at APIEXPO, and the large number of visitors who enjoyed attractions such as the “Honey Tunnel” and the 360° hive. Attendees also had the opportunity to purchase a wide variety of regional honeys and other bee products.

MELIZA is undoubtedly establishing itself as one of Europe’s leading beekeeping exhibitions.

Report: Lucas Martínez/Miguel Vilas Boas