Conba-UK
COUNCIL OF NATIONAL BEEKEEPING ASSOCIATIONS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
Incorporating the Beekeeping Organisations of the following Countries: England + Channel Islands + Isle of Man + Scotland + Ulster + Wales
Chairman: Dinah Sweet, Graigfawr Lodge, Caerphilly, CF83 1NF
Vice Chairman: Dr. Mervyn Eddie, 3b Old Road, Ballinderry Upper, County Antrim, BT28 2NJ
Hon Treasurer: Martin Tovey 11 Coach Road, Warton, Carnforth, Lancashire LA5 9PP Tel: 01542 730451 Email: martintovey AT hotmail.co.uk.
General Secretary: Les Webster, Birchlea, Croft of Sheilpark, Rothiemay, Huntly, Aberdeenshire, AB54 7LN Tel: 01466 771351 Email: LesWebster AT microgram.co.uk.
CONBA-UK was established in 1978 to promote the aims and objectives of the national beekeeping associations of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Its purpose is to represent the interests of beekeepers with local, national and international authorities. A representative delegate from each of the member country associations occupies the chair for a period of two years, on a rotational basis.
The council members and observers communicate frequently by email and meet twice yearly. These meetings are usually held at the Stoneleigh Spring Convention and the National Honey Show in Surrey. Council business consists of any matters of common interest to all its members.
CONBA-UK provides representation of its membership at the European Union (EU) through the **COPA-COGECA Working Party on Honey (COPA - Comité des organisations professionnelles agricoles); (COGECA Confédération générale de la coopération agricole) COPA-COGECA are the recognised EU farming lobby supported by the National Farmers Union.
The Working Party on Honey meetings are held at Brussels at which CONBA - UK is represented. The meetings are held once or twice per year. The Working Party on Honey consists of beekeepers' from all member states of the EU. This group meets with the European Commission in relation to apicultural matters concerning the member states of the European Union (EU). These matters are subsequently presented to the European Parliament for its consideration, implementation or revision or rejection. The subsequent approval of such matters results in establishing legislation, government support and possible EU funding relating to the practice of apicultural production in the UK through its membership of the EU.
CONBA-UK is a member of the European Professional Beekeepers Association who also lobby on behalf of the interests of beekeepers within the EU.
Member Associations receive a minute from the representitive attending meetings with the EU.. Details on many aspects of beekeeping are available upon request from the BBKA General Secretary.
NOTES
**COPA/COGECA [In English: Committee of Professional Agricultural Organisations in the EU – COPA General Confederation of Agricultural Co-operatives in the EU – COGECA]
Page upated: November 30, 2008