Emerging Bees Apiculture Co-operative Society Limited

Emerging Bees Apiculture Co-operative (EBAC) was formed in October 2024, by the overwhelming consensus of - an “all about bees, only about bees” - group of beekeepers to “Co-op” what was already a gelled relationship from their training together.

The Apiculture Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture Food and Nutritional Security was instrumental in guiding the group

through the process.

Emerging Bees Apiculture Co-operative Society Limited (EBACSL) was registered on May 5, 2025, making history by becoming the first registered beekeeping Cooperative in Barbados.

Our objectives are:

(a) To promote and sustain colonies for the conservation, protection and preservation of the Honeybee (Apis Mellifera) by capitalizing on economies of scale and the avoidance of fragmentation;

Emerging Bees (EB) has secured the wholesale purchase of 197 hives boxes, established and maintained amongst the members. In addition, two co-op apiary sites have been secured for the establishment of 300 colonies.

(b) To promote inclusive social and economic sustainability for the livelihood and security of its members;

The Co-op is a regular participant at the quarterly held community outreach Pop-Up Markets, an initiative of the Registry of Co-operatives and Friendly Societies, where members are encouraged to ply their wares.

(c) To set industry standards for excellence;

The absence of bees may be an indicator of the declining health of our environment. Preliminary discussions with policy makers are intended to reduce/eliminate the environmental exposure of harmful pests and products, thereby ensuring the maintenance of ecological balance, ensure food security through agricultural production, and aid in climate mitigation.

(d) To promote environmental sustainability and improve the resilience of ecosystems to facilitate bee foraging by utilizing the farming practice of apiforestry;

After hurricane Beryl, in collaboration with the Ministry, we were able to forward 4.1 tonnes of sugar to assist their fellow beekeepers in Union Island.

(e) To strengthen institutional capacity to generate and share knowledge and information with stakeholders and civil society;

The Pop-Up Markets, Agrofest, SIFF and school visits all provide opportunities for EBACSL members to share knowledge of, inform about and discuss their beekeeping experiences with the public. The aim is a healthier appreciation from the general public for the bees, remembering that when we see bees in our gardens, they are hard at work putting food on our tables.

(f) To associate with other co-operatives for mutual benefit;

The Pop-Up Markets, in particular, provide a forum to meet the spectrum of co-operatives and forge complementary collaborations.

(g) To educate its members in co-operative values, principles and methods for the efficient management of its affairs;

Becoming a registered co-operative has reinforced the business of beekeeping to our members...

(h) To encourage and promote the training of persons who express an interest in apiculture.

Beekeeping training has been conducted in Antigua under our banner.