The UBKA is an Association of the 10 affiliated local Beekeeping Associations in Northern Ireland. Formed in 1942 the UBKA‘s objectives are to

• unite beekeepers in Northern Ireland for their mutual benefit in promoting apiculture,
• represent their collective interests and
• undertake activities which support their local Associations.

Its activities include:

• Representation of Northern Ireland beekeeping interests through collaboration with the Beekeeping Associations of England, Wales and Scotland, the Federation of Irish Beekeepers’ Association (FIBKA), membership of the Council of National Beekeeping Associations of the United Kingdom and Ireland (CONBA) and its links to the European Professional Beekeeping Association (EPBA), Apimondia and to the EU.
• Representation to Government in support of beekeeping research, education, and environmental issues, including commitment to adequate funding
• Partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) in relation to scientific support for beekeepers; the coordination and administrative support of formal education programmes and the verification of educational standards
• Active partnership with FIBKA in relation to applying the benefits of our island status; developing joint strategies of control for diseases and pests; measures for the conservation of the dark European Honey Bee – Apis mellifera mellifera and the development of the programme of beekeeping education from Preliminary to Advanced level and lectureship
• Representation to funding bodies and grant application
• Managing events including the UBKA Annual Conference
• Public Relations and providing information the public on beekeeping and the role of honeybees in our environment.
• Provision of advice, guidance and expert opinion
• Promoting members as a source of expertise and experience in beekeeping.