Belgium/Learn the basics before taking the plunge: beekeeping introductions are becoming increasingly popular
Matteo Magro is a passionate young beekeeper who has chosen to diversify his activities by offering short training courses for private individuals. "It's intended as an introduction, but I've noticed that all my students already want to start up with a beehive in their garden", he says. Indeed, beekeeping is becoming increasingly popular, if we look at the number of registrations with the AFSCA over the last ten years.
It's a concern for the environment and often a long-cherished dream that drives them to take the plunge. A fascinating world: "Without bees, the world would die. And the little bonus is that they bring us honey", says Louis, who has come to learn more about bees. Training courses are organized over three days, in Wavre or Dinant, with a small group of students. And the beekeeper often has to turn people away.
Basic training
"The first courses focus on the hive environment and biodiversity linked to pollination. We also learn how to manage a hive month by month. The last course is devoted to legislation, how to press honey and the costs involved", explains the trainer. The course is admittedly less comprehensive than the two-year certificate course. "This one is certified, but it's not the same objective. You learn very technical things, like queen rearing. But it's not necessarily interesting when you just want to learn how to produce a few kilos of honey for your family", he continues.
If you don't do it right, you can quickly run into cases of mortality.
This certification is not necessary to keep hives, which only require an environmental permit and registration with the AFSCA. So anyone can get started. Matteo's aim is to train responsible hobbyists.If you don't do it right, you can quite quickly have cases of mortality," he laments. And it's damaging for the bees when you buy hives and then only last a year with them".
A financial investment and a time commitment
Well protected in their beekeeping outfits, the students have already tamed the bees that fly and buzz around the hives. Michèle is amazed by their numbers.It's less impressive than at the beginning, but still just as magical," she observes. It's the noise that impresses the first time". She can't wait to set up her first hives at the bottom of her garden, but she's also realistic: "You need a minimum of training to know what you're getting into. It's not like just learning to paint".
You need a minimum of training to know what you're getting into. It's not like just learning to paint
Setting up a beehive is not only a financial investment, but also an investment in living things, which requires a minimum of time commitment on a daily basis. That's why Alain waited until retirement to finally realize an old dream, but he also needed professional advice. "If it's going to be a waste of time, I might as well not do it. I now know what I need to do first, and that gives me peace of mind", he confides. Once the training is over and he's up and running, he'll be able to count on the professional's advice.
Source: www.rtbf.be/
