António Ventura highlights identification of bee “ecotype” as new distinguishing feature of the Azores - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação

The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, welcomes the identification of a specific bee "ecotype" in the archipelago, which is particularly prevalent on the island of Santa Maria.

This finding stems from a genetic study conducted by the Azores Biotechnology Centre (CBA), as part of a direct partnership with the Azorean Government and the Azores Agricultural Federation.

Speaking at the presentation of the project’s results, held at the São Miguel Agricultural Association, the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food highlighted the strategic importance of this scientific finding for the agrifood sector.

For António Ventura, the identification of this ecotype represents “yet another differentiation to be added to the six native breeds identified for other species in the archipelago,” highlighting the unique value of regional genetic heritage and biodiversity.

In light of this discovery, the government official emphasised the urgent need to protect the “Apis mellifera” bee in the Azores and assured that the Regional Government would be fully committed to future work in this area.

António Ventura expressed the Regional Government’s immediate willingness to work with the Azores Agricultural Federation and the various beekeeping associations to discuss and define the next steps to promote the species and local production.

The original aim of the study now presented was to determine, using advanced genetic analyses, whether an endemic bee lineage exists in the Azores.

Although the research did not confirm the existence of an isolated indigenous breed, the validation of this "ecotype" opens up new economic and conservation opportunities.

During the technical presentation, Professor Artur Machado, a researcher at the CBA, emphasised the importance of these findings for the design of a future genetic improvement programme.

The expert advised setting clear targets to boost honey production for the benefit of beekeepers.

Meanwhile, he stressed the importance of moving forward with the Denomination of Origin (DO) classification for Pittosporum undulatum Honey with a view to establishing a reliable system for quality control and authenticity, a technical requirement already met by the Azores Biotechnology Centre, which has confirmed its full capacity to fulfil it.