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NEW ZEALAND BEEKEEPER, JULY 2017
APIMONDIA OCEANIA PRESIDENT’S REPORT TO INDUSTRY: JUNE 2017 APIMONDIA Jodie Goldsworthy
Apimondia has had a busy past year, with much of the work culminating in the Apimondia Congress soon to be held in Istanbul, Turkey from 29 September to 4 October.
Apimondia executive, local Turkish congress hosts and some convention centre staff.
“The beekeeping industry is thriving, which again has lots of interesting history. There are over 150,000 Turkish families engaged in beekeeping and 6.8 million bee colonies. All beekeepers are registered and they have good systems and Government support. 75% are engaged in migratory beekeeping. I am looking forward to going back in September and would strongly recommend visiting. I am not unduly concerned about security. Just take the usual travellers’ precautions. “I highly recommend that honey processors and packers do the technical tour to the new ‘Balparmak’ factory about an hour from central Istanbul. The facility, laboratories and traceability systems are very impressive and I’m sure this tour would be beneficial for our members.”
The Executive Committee has just concluded a visit to Istanbul and held its most recent meeting there. This was attended by the Oceania Vice President, Maureen Conquer, who reports, “the local hosts were excellent and the convention centre is fabulous. The Local Professional Congress Organiser (Teamcon) is excellent and along with the local committee, appear to be on top of everything and are willing and gracious hosts. “Security-wise, I would not hesitate to recommend Istanbul. Many security measures are in place with some hotels as close as 50m from the venue with great gardens, jogging track, pools and health centre: very convenient. A number of good hotels are within walking distance. Food and hospitality are excellent. Taxis all are clean, tidy and metered. Istanbul is a fabulous exotic destination, with so much history and is clean and well organised.
The new Balparmak honey factory near Istanbul. For more information, go to http:// www.balparmak.com.tr/en/balparmak-world/ about-us Photos this page: Maureen Conquer.
Thank you, Maureen, for attending this meeting.
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