Adopt a Beehive in Emilia-Romagna

3Bee is the Nature Tech company that develops technologies for the protection of biodiversity. 3Bee Hive-Tech is 3Bee's first system for analysing the health and 'starvation' status of honeybees, environmental protectors par excellence. Over time, we have developed other technologies to study and monitor all the pollinating insects and created more than 200 Oases of Biodiversity with thousands of nectariferous plants to provide them with nourishment. In this way, we want to create a virtuous circle: our beekeepers are transformed by necessity into Oasis growers and promoters of environmental biodiversity. We do not encourage massive production and intensive breeding, which have a negative impact on biodiversity and pollinators. We do, however, recognise the value of honey as a valuable symbol of the biodiversity of an environment and a tool for disseminating the commitment and protection of an area, to be consumed sparingly and with respect for the life cycle of these insects.

Beekeeping in Emilia-Romagna has a very strong tradition, with roots going back in time. Between the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, the foundations were laid for beekeeping as it is conducted today. A National Beekeeping Institute was also founded in the 1930s. This activity is extremely widespread in rural areas, especially in the Po Valley and the Apennines. Pollinators in this region can pollinatealfalfa, blueberry, wild plum, bramble, sainfoin and raspberry. In terms of beehives, Emilia-Romagna is one of the most densely populated regions in Italy, with around 5,000 beekeeping activities, including 1654 professionals, and 150,946 hives. These numbers are frightening. In Emilia, where there are biodiversity disasters, there is a risk of over-pollination, damaging wild pollinators. 3Bee was created to protect biodiversity and together with our sustainable beekeepers we are changing the rules.

Thanks to its geographical location, Emilia-Romagna is characterised by a remarkable biodiversity, with 2,700 different plant species, more than 350 vertebrate species and a wide variety of habitats. However, the importance of agriculture in the regional economy is causing increasing pressure on biodiversity.

The intensification of agriculture leads to an excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, causing soil and water pollution. Monoculture practices reduce plant diversity and consequently lower the biodiversity index in the region. Finally, soil erosion is reaching alarming levels due to unsustainable agricultural practices.

It is essential to take measures to counter these problems and protect the biodiversity of Emilia-Romagna by promoting more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

In the heart of Romagna, Enrico, helped by his father Giuseppe and mother Laura, runs his beekeeping business. Their bees, drawing on the flora of the territory, produce acacia, lime and millefiori honey. This small family business was born from a passion that has been handed down in the family for three generations. Enrico, since his childhood, followed the bees with his paternal grandparents, to whom he dedicated the name of his beekeeping business. Thanks to 3Bee technology, Enrico and his family can better manage their bees, constantly monitoring them remotely. By adhering to "Adopt a beehive", they are able to make their 100% Romagna honey known throughout Italy.

Bee Patient honey is a multi-flower honey produced in the Oasi Zarda, in the province of Ferrara. Here, the bees can gather nectar and pollen from a vast vegetation consisting of woodlands, indigo, dandelion, thistle and alfalfa. In addition to having the clean, uncontaminated waters of the Quaternary Lake at their disposal, bees can also collect honeydew for the production of their precious honey. On our platform "Adopt a hive" you can choose to adopt Bee Patient honey!

Andrea belongs to a family of beekeepers. Already in the early 1900s, his grandfather bred bees and passed on his passion to his son, who in turn passed it on to Andrea. Today he runs the family business with the help of his wife and son. Andrea's beekeeping is based in Salsomaggiore Terme, in the hills, where there is no industry or sources of pollution. Thanks to the extensive cultivation of alfalfa and clover, his millefiori acquires a unique flavour. Andrea does not only conduct sedentary beekeeping, but also moves his bees to the mountains in the Val di Taro, where they can also produce chestnut honey. Other types include dandelion, acacia, linden and ailanthus. Although not adhering to the organic method, Andrea practices beekeeping that is truly respectful of bees, whose well-being is considered primary. Thanks to 3Bee systems, he can monitor them constantly.