Muğla Arıcılık ve Çambalı Konferansı

The International Muğla Beekeeping and Pine Honey Congress is an international congress held every two years since 2008 by the Muğla Beekeepers' Association (MAYBİR), covering pine honey and every aspect of beekeeping. Participation is free. The 9th congress has been announced for 19–22 November 2026 in Marmaris.

What is the Muğla Pine Honey Congress?

The congress brings together beekeepers, researchers, public institutions and industry companies in Muğla, regarded as the centre of world pine honey production. The organisers describe it as one of the largest regularly held international beekeeping congresses after the congress of the international federation of beekeepers' associations (Apimondia). The programme consists of scientific sessions, panels and indoor and outdoor exhibition areas.

When and where is the congress held?

The congress was first held in 2008 and takes place every two years. After the 6th congress in 2018, the next congress was held in 2022. The most recent congresses that can be verified are:

The congresses are usually held in late autumn, when the pine honey harvest is over, which makes it easier for beekeepers to attend.

What is discussed at the congress?

• Pine honey production: Honeydew insect populations, the impact of forest fires, fluctuations in yield.
• Bee health: Controlling varroa and other diseases, healthy bee breeding.
• Imitation and adulteration: Fake honey, methods of analysis and legislation.
• Marketing: "Honeys of Türkiye", geographical indications, exports.
• Climate change: This was the main theme of the 2022 congress.
• Panels: The 2026 programme includes "The Sector Speaks" and "The Producer Speaks" panels.

According to figures released by MAYBİR, the 2022 congress was attended by around 1,700 residential and 350 day participants, including 129 foreign participants from 14 countries; 28 companies set up 33 stands.

How is pine honey formed?

Pine honey is not a flower honey but a honeydew honey. On the Turkish red pine (Pinus brutia) in the forests of Muğla lives a honeydew insect known in English as the pine scale or giant pine scale, Marchalina hellenica; it sucks the pine's sap and excretes the surplus as a sweet secretion. Bees collect this secretion and turn it into honey.

• Its place in the world: Most of the pine honey produced in the world comes from Türkiye, and a significant share of that from Muğla and its surroundings.
• Muğla's share: Muğla ranks among the top provinces in Türkiye for the number of hives and beekeeping businesses.
• Harvest period: Honeydew is usually abundant from late summer into autumn; that is why many migratory beekeepers finish their season in Muğla.
• Characteristics: It is dark, not very sweet, rich in minerals and crystallises late.

Tips for beekeepers coming to Muğla for pine honey

1. Bring strong colonies: The honeydew flow lasts a long time; old and weak colonies do not produce a crop.
2. Don't forget winter preparation: Colonies that collect honeydew for a long time in autumn get worn out; plan the rearing of winter bees and varroa control in good time.
3. Beware of fire risk: In apiaries inside the forest, be extremely careful with smoke and fire; follow local bans and permit rules.
4. Registration and permits: Clarify the apiary site and transport documents in advance with the association and the local agriculture authority.