Who we are

The European Professional Beekeepers Association (EPBA) is the united voice of professional beekeeping across Europe. Founded as a European Economic Interest Grouping (EEIG) and headquartered in Willingen, Germany, EPBA brings together national associations that represent thousands of full-time beekeepers in over 18 countries. Our members are not hobbyists — they are farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, and stewards of pollination. Together, we work for integrity in honey production, fair markets, and strong environmental policies. And we are growing: Every year, more national associations and producers join our cause.

Bernhard Heuvel
President of the European Professional Beekeepers Association

BERNHARD HEUVEL
President from Germany

MARIO KALVET
Vice President from Estonia

FRANK ALETRU
Vice President from France

Our mission

  • Advocate for professional beekeepers in EU decision-making
  • Protect the authenticity of honey and remove fake imports
  • Promote the vital role of pollination in European agriculture
  • Build a strong, cross-border community of professionals

Our vision

a Europe where

  • Honey means real honey
  • Beekeepers can live from their honest work
  • Bees are protected and valued
  • Pollination remains a pillar of food security

Our full members

• 🇩🇪 Deutscher Berufs- und Erwerbsimkerbund e.V. – Germany
• 🇦🇹 Österreichischer Erwerbsimkerbund – Austria
• 🇨🇭 Schweizer Wanderimker – Switzerland
• 🇫🇮 Suomen Mehiläishoitajain Liitto (SML) – Finland
• 🇸🇪 Biodlinksföretagarna (Swedish Professional Beekeepers) – Sweden
• 🇨🇾 Pancrypian Beekeepers Association – Cyprus
• 🇬🇷 Federation of Greek Beekeepers Association – Greece
• 🇫🇷 Union Nationale de l’Apiculture Française (UNAF) – France

• 🇫🇷 Syndicat National d’Apiculture (SNA) – France

• 🇱🇻 Latvijas Biškopības biedrība – Latvia
• 🇲🇹 Assoċjazzjoni tan-Naħħala – Malta
• 🇩🇰 Biavlerforening (Danish Beekeepers Association) – Denmark
• 🇪🇪 Eesti Kutseliste Mesinike Ühing – Estonia
• 🇭🇺 Országos Magyar Méhészeti Egyesület – Hungary
• 🇵🇱 Polski Związek Pszczelarski – Poland
• 🇧🇬 Professional Beekeepers Bulgaria – Bulgaria
• 🇮🇹 Associazione Apicoltori Professionisti Italiani (AAPI) – Italy
• 🇸🇰 Slovenský zväz včelárov – Slovakia
  • More associations are currently in the process of joining the EPBA network, making us stronger with every season.

What we do:

🏛 Policy Advocacy: Representing beekeepers in EU-level negotiations, consultations, and regulatory processes
🧪 Market Integrity: Fighting honey fraud through lab testing, political pressure, and traceability standards
📢 Public Awareness: Educating consumers on real honey and the importance of professional beekeeping
🌿 Pollinator Protection: Supporting evidence-based policies that ensure ecological and agricultural resilience
🤝 Networking & Collaboration: Sharing knowledge, challenges, and innovation across borders

Join the EPBA Community

Whether you’re a policymaker, scientist, producer, or supporter —
EPBA is your partner in building a sustainable, transparent, and thriving honey sector.

  • Our network is growing
  • Our mission is clear
  • And our hive is open.

Leadership President:
Bernhard Heuvel 📍 Postfach 2032, 34502 Willingen, Germany 📧 pres@probees.eu 🌐 www.professionalbeekeepers.eu