Innovative nature of the Operational Plan

The originality lies in the attempt to combine all available information into an Integrated Management Plan for bee parasites, with application guidelines tailored to the specific conditions of Crete. The Plan will include preventive measures, non-chemical formulations, and instructions for improving bee nutrition to enhance their immune system.

Despite the abundance of non-chemical methods available to beekeepers, the majority still resort to chemical solutions, considering them more effective. It is necessary to evaluate non-chemical methods in practice, through a scheme that operates independently and objectively, and to combine them to form a sustainable solution. To date, there hasn't been a developed Integrated Management Plan for Bee Parasites in our country. Conversely, implementing such strategies in other countries around the world is considered essential.

This Operational Plan focuses on the productive process of honey production. The innovation lies in the attempt to combine all available information into an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan, with application guidelines tailored to the specific conditions of Crete. These guidelines incorporate preventive measures (e.g., perforated bottoms), non-chemical formulations, and instructions for improving bee nutrition to boost their immune system.

The differentiation in the resulting product lies in its ability to meet modern food production requirements, aiming to reduce inputs into the production process and eliminate substances potentially harmful to consumer health.