The UBKA is an Association of the 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 the collective interests of beekeepers
- undertake activities which support 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, bee health, education, and environmental issues.
- Working in 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.
- Working in partnership with FIBKA (Federation of Irish Beekeepers Associations) in the development of beekeeping education from Preliminary to Advanced level and lectureship. As well as developing an all-Ireland approach to the control of diseases and pests.
- Representation to funding bodies and grant application
- Managing events including the UBKA Annual Conference
- Public Relations and providing information to 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.
We are managed by an elected committee in accordance with our Constitution. Funding is raised through our membership and various other events held throughout the year.