Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through its Technical Assistance for implementation of National Food Agency’s National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS), in May 2024, supported a workshop on artificial insemination of honeybee queens and identification and registration of beehives.

The F. Benton International Beekeeping Association, with the support from FAO office in Georgia implemented the workshop, including seminars on „Theory of Breeding and Selection and Structure of Artificial Insemination Process in Beekeeping“ led by Professor Jakob Wegener , „Registration and Identification of Honeybee Colonies in NAITS and Beehive Registration Practices in the EU“ led by Mikheil Sokhadze, and „Modern Methods, Problems, and Trends in Beekeeping“ led by Professor Irakli Janashia.

Artificial insemination of honeybee queens is a powerful technique that enables selection of honeybees in order to promote desirable traits. As global climate change rapidly alters environments, the adaptability of honeybees is crucial for sustainable beekeeping and maintaining pollination services, which are vital for global food security.

In Georgia, honeybee selection and artificial insemination have not been a focus due to a lack of qualified scientists. However, the increasing number of honeybee colony collapse motivated beekeepers to seek sustainable solutions.

The workshop fostered new partnerships between local beekeepers and international experts and included representatives of LEPL Scientific Research Center of Agriculture and the Mukhuri State Breeding facility, and equipped Georgian beekeepers with essential skills and knowledge to improve their practices.

NAITS is implemented by NFA with technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and financial assistance from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC).