This dedicated international network has been created to encourage productive and healthy beekeeping by facilitating links between extension workers and others who advise, educate and train present and future beekeepers.
Honey bees are an essential component of the agricultural environment.
As beneficial insects, they are vital for the pollination of many crops, as well as producing honey and other bee products for human use. Apinet aims to reduce threats to beekeeping caused by the spread of Varroa and other pathogens. Where significant losses of bees have occurred, many experienced beekeepers have stopped keeping bees. Not enough new beekeepers, especially young people, are being recruited and trained to help or replace those beekeepers who find themselves unable to adapt or cope with new management techniques. Apinet was initiated by John Goodman of the CSL National Bee Unit and Europea.