The Framework for Agri Business Development Enterprise Programme (FADE) an Agribusiness Development Programme operating under the Office of the National Authorizing Officer (NAO) in the Prime Minister’s Office of the Government of Dominica (GoCD), is funding a 9- day Apiculture Development programme from April 28 – May 7 2010.

This is being facilitated by international bee-keeping consultant Mr. Gilles Ratia of France.  The beneficiaries to this intervention will include the members of the Dominica Bee-Keepers Co-operative and the Pure Blossoms Hives, the two (2) foremost bee-keeper groups on the island.

Part of this programme will involve a 4-day study tour to Martinique hosted by Syndicat Apiculteurs Martiniquais - the local bee-keeping Association of Martinique. A group of 5 beekeepers, 1 technician from the Animal Health Unit and the Tech Assistance Coordinator of the FADE Project will participate in this mission, which will run from Friday April 30th – Monday May 3rd.

Specific outputs to this intervention will be the provision of technical assistance in developing Dominica’s apiculture industry. Focus will be in the areas of product and standards development – best practices and implementing industry standards in bee keeping, enhancing productivity, exporting honey, queen bee rearing, and pollen production.