Portugal mandates annual apiary declarations for beekeepers

Beekeepers in Portugal must submit their annual existence declaration for apiaries between September 1 and September 30, 2026. The requirement, announced by the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV), mandates the confirmation of approximate geographic coordinates for each apiary.

Declarations can be submitted via the reserved area of the Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Financing (IFAP) portal. Alternatively, the process can be completed through regional DGAV services or beekeeping organizations that hold a protocol with IFAP. For those starting a new activity, the first declaration must be filed within ten business days.

Beekeepers are required to report significant changes in hive numbers, specifically variations exceeding 20% or a difference of 20 or more colonies, within ten business days of the occurrence. Additionally, any relocation of apiaries must be communicated to the services of the destination region, with prior authorization required for movements into controlled zones. Failure to comply with these registration and movement obligations may result in fines of up to 44,890 euros.