Beekeeping is not limited to honey production; it is a critical activity for the continuity of the ecosystem. In the organic farming system, beekeeping is subject to specific rules, both in terms of product quality and environmental sustainability. Regulations concerning organic beekeeping are detailed in both Turkey and the European Union. In this article, we will address these two regulations in a comparative manner. The U.S. National Organic Program (NOP) Regulation will be discussed in the final part of the article.
Race and Origin Selection
The fundamental principle in organic beekeeping is the adaptation of bees to local conditions. Therefore, both regulations clearly state that Apis mellifera and local ecotypes should be preferred. This practice strengthens the resilience of bees while also contributing to the development of resistance against diseases.
(TR Reg. No. 27676 – Article 22(1-a); EU Reg. No. 2018/848 – Annex II, Part II, 1.9.6.1)
Colony Renewal and Conversion Period
Colony renewal is a critical issue in organic beekeeping because the continuity of hives depends on it.
- In Turkey, up to 10% of non-organic queen bees or swarms may be accepted annually. In such cases, no conversion period is applied. In addition, the conversion period to organic beekeeping is one year.
- In the EU, however, the rate is higher; up to 20% of non-organic queen bees or swarms may be introduced annually. However, they must always be placed together with organic combs. The conversion period has been set at 12 months.
(TR Reg. No. 27676 – Article 22(1-b, g); EU Reg. No. 2018/848 – Annex II, Part II, 1.2.2(f), 1.3.4.2)
Use of Beeswax
Both regulations require that beeswax be sourced from organic production whenever possible. However, if organic beeswax is not available on the market, conventional beeswax proven to be free of residues may be used.
A noteworthy difference here is that TR Reg. No. 27676 – Article 22(5-c) states “beeswax obtained from the hive cover shall be used,” whereas EU Reg. No. 2018/848 – Annex II, Part II, 1.2.2(f)(iii) specifies “provided that it comes from the cap”
In the image above, the uncapping process during honey harvesting is shown.
Feeding
The aim of organic beekeeping is for bees to sustain their lives with their own natural honey and pollen reserves. Therefore, both regulations require leaving enough honey and pollen in the hives for the bees to survive the winter. In exceptional cases, such as extraordinary climatic conditions or natural disasters, feeding is allowed only with organic honey, organic sugar, or organic syrup.
(TR Reg. No. 27676 – Article 22(1-f), (2); EU Reg. No. 2018/848 – Annex II, Part II, 1.9.6.2)
Record Keeping
Transparency is fundamental in organic production. Therefore, record-keeping rules are detailed in both Turkey and the EU. The location of hives, feeding information, veterinary treatments, honey harvest, and all movements must be documented.
(TR Reg. No. 27676 – Article 22(3); EU Reg. No. 2018/848 – Annex II, Part II, 1.3.4.5; 1.7.12; 1.9.6.6)
Animal Welfare
The welfare of bees is important both from an ethical perspective and for the quality of production. During honey harvesting, bees in the combs cannot be destroyed. Mutilating practices, such as cutting the wings of the queen bee, are prohibited.
(TR Reg. No. 27676 – Article 22(3-b, c); EU Reg. No. 2018/848 – Annex II, Part II, 1.9.6.4)
Placement of Hives (3 km Radius Rule)
In organic beekeeping, the location of hives is critically important both for the quality of products and the health of bees. Therefore, both regulations establish the 3 km radius rule.
Turkey Regulation: Within a 3 km radius of the area where the hives are placed, nectar and pollen sources must consist of organically produced crops or natural vegetation. In addition, hives must be kept away from pollution-generating areas such as city centers, highways, industrial zones, and waste incineration plants.
EU Regulation: Similarly, within a 3 km radius of the hives, the area must mainly consist of organic plants, natural vegetation, or crops grown using low environmental impact methods. This rule does not apply during periods when flowering does not occur or when colonies are inactive.
(TR Reg. No. 27676 – Article 22(4-b, c); EU Reg. No. 2018/848 – Annex II, Part II, 1.9.6.5(a, b, c)
If you wish, with the help of Google Earth, you can take as the center the place where you plan to place your bees and get an idea of whether the geographical features within a 3 km radius comply with the regulation applicable to you. After clicking the ruler icon marked in red, select the “Circle” tab and move the cursor away from the center point until you reach a 3 km radius. When the 3 km radius appears, click. That’s all.
Hive and Material Characteristics
In organic beekeeping, the structure of hives and the materials used are of great importance. Hives must be made of natural materials. The use of chemical paints is prohibited; instead, coatings with propolis, beeswax, or vegetable oils are allowed. In pest control, rodenticides (only in traps) and permitted products may be used.
(TR Reg. No. 27676 – Article 22(5); EU Reg. No. 2018/848 – Annex II, Part II, 1.9.6.5)
Disease Control
In both regulations, preventive measures are emphasized. The selection of resistant breeds, regular inspections, and hygiene practices are essential. For the control of Varroa destructor, organic acids such as formic acid, lactic acid, and oxalic acid, as well as natural substances like menthol, thymol, eucalyptol, and camphor, may be used. Chemical allopathic medicines can only be applied as a last resort; in such cases, colonies are isolated and a new conversion period is initiated.
(TR Reg. No. 27676 – Article 22(6); EU Reg. No. 2018/848 – Annex II, Part II, 1.9.6.3)
According to the U.S. National Organic Program (NOP) regulation: Under § 205.603(b)(3), which defines synthetic substances allowed in organic livestock, formic acid (CAS # 64-18-6) is permitted only for use as a pesticide in honeybee hives; and under § 205.603(b)(8), oxalic acid dihydrate is allowed solely for use as a pesticide in beekeeping.
Exceptional Circumstances
Here, there are clear differences between the two regulations.
Turkey: Due to health issues, disasters, or climatic conditions, the reconstruction of hives or non-organic feeding may be permitted.
EU: Unlike the Turkish regulation, no similar definition of exceptional circumstances exists. On the contrary, member states may designate regions where organic beekeeping cannot be practiced. Production in such areas is not considered organic.
(**TR Reg. No. 27676 – Article 22(7); EU Reg. No. 2018/848 – Annex II, Part II, 1.9.6.5(i) **)
Beekeeping According to the U.S. National Organic Program (NOP):
The NOP regulation does not define comprehensive beekeeping rules as in the Turkish and EU organic farming regulations. Only § 205.603(b)(3) and (b)(8), mentioned under “Disease Control,” address two permitted synthetic substances. In addition, the presentation titled “USDA Organic Regulations Standards Update” published by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service on February 10, 2025, provides information on beekeeping practices in line with USDA NOP. Of course, this is not a mandatory document. As always emphasized, the essential point is the exchange of information with your Control and Certification Body.
Conclusion
Organic beekeeping is regulated by detailed rules both in Turkey and in the European Union. While there are general similarities, differences emerge in areas such as colony renewal, the application of the 3 km radius rule for hive placement, and exceptional circumstances. Knowing these differences is of great importance for both producers and consumers. For the U.S., however, the situation is different. The regulation contains almost no information about beekeeping, which has been widely criticized in many forums and similar platforms.