Jordan Varadinov

Move the photo in all directions for a better view of the apiary.

I am a young beekeeper; I was born in Kochani in 1996. I started raising bees recreationally in 2015, after I joined the training for young beekeepers in the Bregalnica region.

I learned about the training organised by the Nature Conservation Programme (NCP) from the media and after consulting other beekeepers from the region, who wholeheartedly recommended it, I applied. I acquired basic knowledge about beekeeping and my love for raising honey bee colonies grew even more, particularly when I learned more about sustainable beekeeping.

Today I have around 30 honey bee colonies and swarms in two apiaries: one in the Osogovo Mountains and another in the Kochani area, in the village of Trkanje. Depending on the year and the forage, I produce meadow honey or a mix with mountain honey. When I am busy with my studies, I have help from my girlfriend and I consult other more experienced beekeepers from the Honey East association, where I am a member.

The training helped me to learn about the main benefits and the importance of bees in society. I try to learn every day about bees’ importance for nature conservation, how healthy and efficient they are – not just honey, but all their products, and that bees are fundamental for nature conservation. In addition, beekeeping is an opportunity to distance yourself from the busy everyday life full of commitments.