​Within the scope of TAGEM R&D projects, a project entitled “Morphological and Molecular Characterization and Improvement of Colonies Representing Certain Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) Races and Genotypes Found in Türkiye in Their Original Geographical Locations” was carried out at five different locations by our Institute, universities, and the Central Union of Turkish Beekeepers.

As a result of the project, genetic materials representing the honey bee races and ecotypes found in Türkiye were obtained. In order to collect and conserve these genetic resources, Türkiye’s first Beekeeping Gene Bank was established within our Institute in accordance with the letter issued by the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (TAGEM) dated July 5, 2023.

The Gene Bank aims to conserve the genetic resources of the existing honey bee races and ecotypes in Türkiye and to ensure their sustainable utilization by researchers and future generations.

To achieve this objective, collection, conservation, and training activities are carried out to protect the honey bee races and ecotypes native to Türkiye.