Fiji Beekeepers Association (FBA) has been granted $10,700 FJ to develop bee breeding in Fiji. Improving Fiji’s honey bee genetics and availability of high-quality bees are FBA priorities.
The grant was awarded by employees of the United Nations who donate 1% of their pay for development projects.
FBA is using this grant to develop the capacity to breed high-quality honey bees on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu islands.
The primary recipients of this grant are Nilesh Kumar of Ba, and Saimone Tunaqase of Bulileka, Labasa, who will use the funds to purchase bee breeding equipment and materials. Recipients were chosen by FBA based on their skill of breeding bees and history of helping other beekeepers.
The grant recipients have agreed to supply some nucleus colonies or mated queens to FBA next year.
These bee breeders will also likely be recipients of overseas bee genetics that are planned to be introduced as part of an ACIAR (Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research) next year, although that project is not yet underway.
Please join me in congratulating Nilesh and Saimone for earning this grant.
