Dissemination Evening Event for the Project Results “Innovative plan for integrated management of honey bee parasites without the use of chemical substances, ODIPAMEL”, under Measure 16 “Cooperation”
As part of the results dissemination actions of Measure 16 “Cooperation” of the Rural Development Programme (RDP), an evening event was held on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, in Rethymno, focusing on the presentation of the results of the project “Innovative plan for integrated management of honey bee parasites without the use of chemical substances, ODIPAMEL” (Project Code: M16SYN2–00265). The event formed part of the effort to strengthen outward-looking engagement, the dissemination and exchange of know-how, and the promotion of collaborations in the agri-food sector.
The event, titled “Sustainable Beekeeping and PDO Pine–Thyme Honey of Crete”, took place at the new state-of-the-art conference venue of Theartemis Palace Hotel, in the presence of beekeepers, producers and entrepreneurs from the agri-food sector. The project was presented by members of the Operational Group: the Rethymno Agricultural Beekeeping Cooperative “O THYMOS”, Proactive S.A. Business Consultants, and the Laboratory of Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products, Landscape and Environment (PAGROTOP), Department of Agriculture of the Hellenic Mediterranean University (ELMEPA).
During the event, the main objectives and the results of the project’s pilot implementation were presented, focusing on the development and evaluation of an integrated plan for tackling honey bee parasites without the use of chemicals at the level of Crete. This plan will provide a sustainable option for beekeepers who wish to produce honey that meets the specifications of the PDO Pine–Thyme Honey of Crete.
Following the presentations, an open discussion and networking session took place among participants. Members of the Operational Group had the opportunity to discuss, exchange ideas and identify synergies that could be leveraged in future collaborations.
The event aligns with the objectives of Measure 16, which aims to strengthen cooperation among stakeholders in the primary sector and the research community. Through the participation of producers, scientific partners and consultants, the need for synergy in addressing existing challenges in the agricultural sector was clearly highlighted.
