Italy promotes apiculture and biodiversity through honey festivals and competitions

Italy is hosting several initiatives to promote apiculture and protect biodiversity through honey production. In Mulazzo, the Bancarel’Miele event is scheduled for September 19 and 20, 2026. Organized by the Municipality of Mulazzo and the Consorzio del Miele della Lunigiana DOP, the festival aims to highlight Lunigiana DOP honey and local ecosystem biodiversity. The program includes roundtables on the “Strada del Miele di Lunigiana” and the impacts of climate change on apiculture, alongside tastings and local food showcases.

Additionally, the “Miele in Festa” competition is being held for the best honey from the Appennino Parks. Organized by several national and regional parks, including Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga and Monti Sibillini, the contest aligns with Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) directives to conserve pollinators. Corrado Perugini, president of the Monti Sibillini Park, noted that honey serves as a thermometer for territorial health and a model for sustainable development. Recent analyses under the “BEE SAFE” project confirmed high quality in local honey samples, which were found to be free of antibiotic residues, pesticides, and heavy metals.