Brussels, 9 December 2014 – The Bavarian Farmers' Association is the winner of the 1st European Bee Award established by the European Landowners' Organization (ELO) and the European Agricultural Machinery Association (CEMA) to acknowledge bee-friendly farm practices in the EU. The Association's“Flowering frames” initiative emerged as the winner from 24 submitted projects during last night's Award Ceremony with the support of Vice President Ms Mairead McGuinness MEP and the presence of Mr Albert Dess MEP at the European Parliament in Brussels.
“Flowering frames” is a cooperative effort to enhance biodiversity in the farmed environment by sowing flower strips around maize fields and other crops and is supported by the Bavarian Association of Beekeepers, the agricultural cooperative BayWa and the seed company BSV-Saaten. Handing over the Diploma of recognition and a cheque of 5.000€ to Mr Walter Heidl President of the Bavarian Farmers' Association, Professor Charles Godfray (University of Oxford and President of the Jury) congratulated the project team on their achievements.
Ladislav Miko, acting Director-General of DG SANCO and member of the jury opened the ceremony.
Albert Dess MEP welcomed the establishment of the European Bee Award by ELO and CEMA as “an important step in joining forces of public and private actors in the commitment to protect bees and pollinators in the farmed environment in Europe”.
Thierry de l'Escaille, Secretary General of ELO, said: “The fierce competition for the Prize made it difficult to choose a winner. Yet the high number and quality of projects submitted is a great tribute to the dedicated efforts that are being made across Europe to halt bee decline and enhance biodiversity.”
Gilles Dryancour, Honorary President of CEMA, highlighted the role of the Award in helping “to share best practices and leverage innovative approaches and technologies that can help farmers to minimize the impact of farming operations on honeybees and other pollinators.”
The Award Ceremony brought together more than 100 representatives from the European Institutions, civil society groups, and the agri-food sector who had the chance to bring home a sample of traditionally harvested honey.
For further information about the winning project click here.
