4th January 2018

The National Honey Monitoring Scheme is a new long-term programme being set up in 2018 that will use advanced analytical techniques to identify plant DNA and measure environmental contaminants, such as pesticide residues, in honey produced from across the UK. 

A recent pilot study, identified widespread residues of neonicotinoid pesticides in honey samples collected from BBKA members across the UK. 

https://www.ceh.ac.uk/news-and-media/news/uk-honey-study-finds-one-five-samples-contain-neonicotinoids

What the monitoring scheme will aim to do

• State-of-the-art analysis- DNA metabarcoding & high precision mass spectrometry of honey samples
• Sample archive - for future research developing new analytics, such as disease detection
• Provide feedback to participating beekeepers
• Generate robust scientific data to inform future policy decisions. 

How you can get involved 

All amateur and professional beekeepers are asked to register their interest in taking part by emailing us at [email protected]

The viability of the monitoring scheme will depend upon sufficient numbers of beekeepers expressing an interest in participating. 

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