LEADER II

The UBKA established a Company Limited by Guarantee (Ulster Beekeepers’ Leader II Ltd) to implement an Operational Programme under LEADER II.  The main thrust of which was to provide improved facilities to develop and raise the standard of management of beekeeping.   Research into the marketing of honey and bee products was also a prominent feature of the Programme.

With the outbreak of  the Varroa mite in Ireland, the UBKA identified a need for a co-ordinated approach in disseminating information to increase Ulster beekeepers' knowledge and apiary skills in controlling Varroa infestations.

Local Associations were granted funds to assist in setting up apiary sites throughout Ulster,  for the promotion of beekeeping to the general public and the future training of new beekeepers.

With the help and assistance of Greenmount College of Agriculture and Horticulture and Loughry College - The Food Centre, marketing and information database studies were carried out.

Additionally, as a result of the outcome of a training needs analysis, the UBKA used some of the LEADER II funds to run a beekeepers training course.

Total funding of  £51,300  was allocated to the Ulster Beekeepers' Project.

"LEADER II has provided much needed funding for beekeeping facilities and training.  This has encouraged our members to become more involved at local level and ultimately to improve their beekeeping skills"

The Leader II Company  has now completed its original goals and the UBKA, and its associated members, have benefited greatly from its work and thank the Directors for their work. Currently the Company is dormant, though the directors remain the President and Chairman of UBKA.

Melanie Shillington (Chairperson of the UBKA LEADER II Company)

(Extract taken from Dept of Agriculture and Rural Development booklet entitled "LEADER II Northern Ireland - A Measure of Success.)