Our commitments to the beekeeping industry
At Véto-pharma, we are convinced that a company grows not only through results. But also through the synergy and investment of its team, for the development and promotion of its industry.
Our projects are driven by our commitment to defend and promote beekeeping, support beekeepers, raise awareness of the need for the survival of honey bees, and communicate its role in biodiversity in order to support the beekeeping industry and the actions undertaken with our partners.
EVA, an R&D and beekeeping support centre
EVA was created by Véto-pharma in 2015 with the aim of combining innovation, technics, and education. This facility, dedicated to honey bees and beekeeping, is composed of a research and development centre attached to a testing apiary of around 300 colonies, a honey extraction plant and an educational space to raise awareness of the preservation of honey bees.
EVA is located near the centre of Chaillac, in central France, close to the site where its products are manufactured. This vast programme, supported by the municipality, currently in the process of industrial redevelopment, is helping to create local jobs and boost the economic development of a region surrounded by wooded groves and livestock.
Proud supporter of the COLOSS international network
Since 2017, Véto-pharma has become one of the main sponsors of COLOSS.
Our support is helping to promote sustainable honey bee health worldwide by encouraging research and providing high-quality products specifically developped.
COLOSS (COLony LOSSes) is an international association based in Switzerland. Its mission is to support the survival of honey bees worldwide, promote their health, coordinate international research and disseminate knowledge and education to improve their well-being. Its projects are recognised worldwide and acclaimed unanimously by the beekeeping community.
GOLD partner of “Concours des Miels de France”, organised by UNAF
Véto-pharma has supported the French “Concours des Miels de France” (National Honey Contest) competition since its creation in 2018.
This annual event, organised by UNAF (French Union of Beekeepers) and the CNTESA (National Technical, Economic and Scientific Beekeeping Commission), rewards the quality of French honey and beekeeping excellence.
Juries composed of experienced beekeepers, tasting specialists (Meilleur Ouvrier de France pastry chefs and Michelin-starred chefs), journalists and prominent figures determine the award-winning honeys in the various categories. Increasingly popular since 2018, the competition has recently added new categories, including gingerbread, nougat and mead.
Véto-pharma supports ADA at national and regional level
Véto-pharma regularly provides support for seminars and conferences organised by the various regional ADA bodies (associations for the development of beekeeping) as well as ADA France.
For the past 20 years, ADA has been supporting and assisting beekeepers. Dealing with the problems of colony weakening, collapse, and mortality have been at the heart of ADA missions.
Véto-pharma is proud to contribute to the continuity of this network, which is constantly developing ways of supporting beekeepers.
Collaboration with Simon Fraser University to combat Varroa mite
In 2023, Véto-pharma and Canada’s Simon Fraser University (SFU) are joining forces to develop a new acaricide against varroa mite.
The new active discovered by a team of researchers in the early 2000s has considerable potential to revolutionize the fight against the honey bee’s major parasitic mite, Varroa destructor. This discovery will make it possible to offer beekeepers around the world a new, effective and appropriate solution. Field trials carried out in Canada over the last few years have shown promising results.
Véto-pharma and USF are convinced that this collaboration will make it possible to put this discovery into practice and preserve the health of bee colonies worldwide.
Other actions undertaken worldwide
- Writing and distribution of a Varroa guide translated into several languages, offering detailed information on the biology of Varroa, its impacts on colonies, ways to monitor and control it, etc.
- The “Valorisons l’abeille et l’apiculture” [Promoting honey bees and beekeeping] national amateur photography competition open to adults and children, with free delivery of a large format exhibition of the 20 best photographs from the competition to municipalities, communities, partners, etc.
- Distribution of bee-friendly seed mixes at gatherings and beekeeping events.
- Participation in local beekeeping events.
- Support for creating educational sticky boards to raise awareness of Varroa monitoring.
New treatment against Varroa mites: Véto-pharma and Simon Fraser University join forces
Table of Contents Varroa mites are one of the major threats leading to bee colony losses at a global level. Véto-pharma will support Simon Fraser University (SFU) in the development and registration of a new miticide based on the innovative compound recently discovered and patented by SFU. Honey bees, guardians of our biodiversity, are… Continue reading New treatment against Varroa mites: Véto-pharma and Simon Fraser University join forces
Winner of the “Favorite photo” award of photo contest “Let’s value honey bee and beekeeping” 2023
The ” Favorite photo” award in the 5th “Let’s value honeybees and beekeeping” amateur photo contest was awarded to Gilles Annès, who lives in France close to Paris. The French and European competition partners: the towns of Chaillac (36) and Valençay (36), the Centre and Berry beekeepers’ union, the national beekeeping unions: UNAF – Abeilles… Continue reading Winner of the “Favorite photo” award of photo contest “Let’s value honey bee and beekeeping” 2023
Announcement of the winners of the photo contest
Véto-pharma and its French and European partners are pleased to announce the 4 winners of France and Europe 2023 edition of the free national amateur photography competition entitled “Let’s promote bees and beekeeping”. As in previous years, the competition aims to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving honey bees and to highlight the… Continue reading Announcement of the winners of the photo contest
The 5th edition of the amateur photo contest “Let’s value honey bee and beekeeping” Véto-pharma opens its doors to Europe
Table of contents The EVA “Espace de Valorisation de l’Abeille” – Véto-pharma organizes until August 31st, 2023, the 5th edition of the amateur photo contest entitled “Let’s value honeybee and beekeeping”. The contest now extends beyond the France’s borders and invites adult and child amateur photographers living in Europe to participate. The fifth edition of… Continue reading The 5th edition of the amateur photo contest “Let’s value honey bee and beekeeping” Véto-pharma opens its doors to Europe
Happy ruby jubilee to Véto-pharma, 40 years of commitment and still counting
Since its inception in 1982, Véto-pharma has gradually, contributed its quota to the beekeeping world. The light of the company has kept shining, despite the fact 40 years has passed already. Much has been done, yet still, much needs to be done.
EVA–Véto-pharma becomes the company’s reference R&D centre and now hosts its anti-Varroa mite research team
The Véto-pharma R&D team will now occupy part of EVA in order to intensify its search for new active substances to combat major bee predators, including Varroa mites.