STANDARDS FOR

BEEKEEPING
AND HIVE
PRODUCTS
FOR THE USE OF
DEMETER,BIODYNAMIC® AND RELATED
TRADEMARKS

June 2011

- to be implemented by each member country by the June 2012 -

-

Demeter-International e.V.
__________________________________
 Table of Contents

Page

1. Validity and Basis ............................................................................................. 3

2. The Siting of Apiaries ..................................................................................... 3

3. Beehives .................................................................................................................. 4

3.1. Interior Treatment ................................................................................... 4

3.2. Exterior Treatment ................................................................................ 4

3.3. Cleaning and Disinfection .................................................................. 4

4. Management System ...................................................................................... 4

4.1. Colony Increase and Selective Breeding .................................. 4

4.1.4. Buying-in of Colonies and Queens ............................................ 4
4.1.2. Wing Clipping ........................................................................... 4

4.2. Methods of Increasing Honey Production .................................. 5

4.3. Breeds ........................................................................................................ 5

4.4. The Comb ................................................................................................. 5

4.4.1. Combs in the Brood Chamber ................................................... 5
4.4.2. Combs in the Supers ................................................................. 5
4.4.3. Origin of Wax ............................................................................ 5
4.4.4. Wax Processing ........................................................................ 5
4.4.5. The Storage of Combs .............................................................. 5

4.5. Feeding ...................................................................................................... 5

4.5.1. Over Wintering .......................................................................... 5
4.5.2. Emergency Rations ................................................................... 5
4.5.3. Stimulative Feeding ................................................................... 6
4.5.4. Feeding of Swarms and Residual Colonies .............................. 6
4.5.5. Pollen.......................................................................................... 6

5. Honey Extraction ............................................................................................... 6

5.1. Centrifugal Extraction and Pressing ............................................. 6

5.2. Honey Storage ....................................................................................... 6

5.3 Quality Analysis ..................................................................................... 6

6. Bee Health .............................................................................................................. 6

7. Certification ........................................................................................................... 6

Demeter International Bee Standards July 2011 2

8. Conversion ............................................................................................................. 6

9. Trading with Bought-in Produce ........................................................... 7

10. Demeter Hive Product Identification .................................................. 7

Appendix 1 Measurable Honey Quality Requirements .......................... 8

Appendix 2 Allowable Treatments and Permitted

Substances ............................................................................................ 8
Appendix 3 Transportation, Decanting,
Heating.............................................................................………………. 8

1. Validity and basis

The validity of the International Demeter Standards for the certification of Demeter beekeeping
is additional to existing legal requirements and in particular those of EEC regulations 834/2007
and 889/2008, the 'US Organic Food Production Act' of November 1990 and the 'Australian
National Standards for Organic and Biodynamic Production' of February 1992. These must be
adhered in addition to the standards which follow. The Demeter Beekeeping Standards are
published as a free-standing section of the Demeter Production Standards. Issues concerning
the Identification of various Demeter hive products is addressed in chapter 10.

Beehives have accompanied human development since the earliest times. It’s construction from
the community, the relation to the light and their nutrition from the blossoms excite reverence
and admiration at all times. Bee colonies are however more dependent on human care today
than ever before. The fortification of the beehive is a very important aim of the Demeter-bee
keeping.

The extent of their flying range means that bees cannot be expected to fly solely or
predominantly over biodynamically managed areas. What is essential for Demeter Beekeeping
is therefore not the direct link to forage areas as is the case with other livestock, but the way in
which bees are kept and how closely this accords with their true nature.

Beekeepers working in the context of Biodynamics and orientate themselves primarily towards
meeting the natural requirements of the colony. Management is so structured that the bee is
able freely to unfold its true nature. Demeter beekeepers allow the colonies to build natural
honeycomb. The basis for their reproduction, growth, rejuvenation and breeding is the process
of swarming. Its own honey is the mainstay for supporting the colony through the winter.

Due to their activities as pollinators and as disseminators of the bee poison which has such a
stimulating effect on the life of plants and of nature, bees are of great importance to the whole
web of life. The beneficial effects of having bees in the cultivated landscape can be experienced
in the increased yield and quality of many cultivated fruits. Their presence is therefore very
important and the keeping of bees is recommended for every Biodynamic holding.

2. The Siting of Apiaries

Biodynamically and organically managed land or uncultivated and wild areas should be selected
as preferred sites for setting up beehives. The Biodynamic preparations should be applied each
year to at least the immediate surroundings of the over wintering location.
Only so many beehives may be established at a given site as can assure each colony an

Demeter International Bee Standards July 2011 3

adequate supply of pollen and nectar.
In choosing a site great care must be taken to make sure that environmental pollutants will not
contaminate the hive produce. If a high level of pollution is suspected all products must be
tested and if contamination is confirmed, the site must be vacated.
The location of apiary sites (permanent, over wintering and temporary) should be accurately
recorded. Seasonal hive movements should be recorded as part of a migratory plan. This
should include a detailed record of movements and periods of stay, information about the site
(property ownership etc.), the source of forage and the number of colonies".

3. Beehives
With the exception of fixings, roof coverings and wire meshing, hives must be built entirely of
natural materials such as wood, straw or clay.

3.1 Interior Treatment

The inside of the hive may only be treated with beeswax and propolis obtained from Demeter
beekeepers.

3.2 Exterior Treatment

Only natural, ecologically safe and non-synthetic wood preservatives may be applied to the hive
exterior.

3.3 Cleaning and Disinfection

The cleaning and disinfection of hives may only be undertaken using heat (flame or hot water)
or mechanically.

4. Management System

4.1 Colony Increase and Selective Breeding

Swarming is the natural way to increase the number of bee colonies and is the only permitted
means for increasing colony numbers. Pre-empting swarming by creating an artificial swarm
with the old queen is allowed. For the further increase the remainder of the hive can be divided
into artificial swarms or scions.
As with all forms of livestock management some selective breeding is necessary. The
production of queen cells is part of the swarming instinct.
The replacement of an old queen through the swarming process is permitted for breeding
purposes.
Exceptions are possible only in certain specific situations and with the agreement of Demeter
International or the respective national organisation. Artificial queen breeding (grafting etc.) is
prohibited. Instrumental insemination and the use of genetically modified bees are prohibited.

4.1.1 Buying-in of Colonies and Queens

The system of management cannot rely on the continual introduction of colonies, swarms and
queens from elsewhere. Any bees or queens purchased must wherever possible stem from
Demeter beekeepers. If these are not available they may be sourced from organically certified
beekeepers. Colonies of neither Demeter nor organically certified origin must be integrated
without comb.

4.1.2 Wing Clipping

Clipping the wings of queens is prohibited.

Demeter International Bee Standards July 2011 4

4.2 Methods for increasing Honey Production
Multiple and routine uniting of colonies as well as systematic queen replacement is not
permitted.

4.3 Breeds
A locally adapted breed of bee suited to the landscape should be chosen.

4.4 The Comb

The comb is integral to the beehive. Therefor all combs should be constructed as natural
combs. Natural combs are those constructed by the bees without the help of waxed midribs.
Natural combs can be constructed on fixed or movable frames. Strips of beeswax foundation to
guide comb building is permitted.

4.4.1 Combs in the Brood Chamber

The brood area naturally enough forms a self-contained unity. Both comb and brood area must
be able to grow as the bee colony develops through building more natural comb. The brood
chamber and frame size must be so chosen that the brood area can expand organically with the
combs and without being obstructed by wood from the frames. Separation barriers are not
allowed as integral elements of the management system. Exceptions to this are possible during
the conversion period.

4.4.2 Combs in the Supers

Only in the supers may waxen midribs be used. It is nonetheless desirable to avoid their use
here too.

4.4.3 Origin of wax

Wax used for guiding strips or midribs must be natural comb or capping wax and sourced from
Demeter beekeepers. Where this is unavailable comb or wax from organic certified sources may
be used. Comb of conventional origin must be phased out according the national organic
regulations, at the latest after 3 years or replaced by comb or wax from Demeter sources. (See
also Chapter 8 on Conversion)

4.4.4 Wax Processing

Wax must not come into contact with solvents, thinners, bleaching agents or other similar
materials. Equipment and containers used must be made of non-oxidising materials or with non-
oxidising coating.

4.4.5 The Storage of Combs

Only the substances listed in appendix 2 may be used to protect stored combs from wax moths.

4.5 Feeding
4.5.1 Over Wintering
Honey and blossom pollen are the natural foods for bees. The aim should be to winter them on
honey. Where this is not possible supplementary winter feed must contain at least 10% honey
by weight. This must come from a Demeter certified source. Camomile tea and salt are also to
be added to the feed. All feed supplements must be of organic if not Biodynamic origin.

4.5.2 Emergency Rations

Where feeding is necessary prior to the first honey flow of the season, the same procedure as
for winter feeding may be carried out. If emergency feeding is required later in the season and
before the last harvest of the year, only Demeter honey should be used. The use of sugar is not

Demeter International Bee Standards July 2011 5

allowed in such rations.

4.5.3 Stimulative Feeding

No form of stimulative feeding is permitted.

5.5.4 Feeding of Swarms and Residual Colonies

In order to build up the strength of swarming bees and those remaining behind, supplementary
feeding may be carried out as in the winter.

4.5.5 Pollen
All pollen substitutes are forbidden.

5. Honey Extraction

5.1 Centrifugal Extraction and Pressing

During the extraction, pressing, sieving, purifying and subsequent bottling of the honey,
temperatures should not exceed 35°C. Pressurised fi ltration is not permitted. Any additional
heating of the honey is to be avoided. As a rule the honey should be filled into the glass or metal
jars which they are to be sold in, immediately after extraction and before any solidification
occurs. In certain situations subsequent refilling may be permitted subject to the conditions in
appendix 3.

5.2 Honey Storage

Honey must be stored under air tight, dark conditions at a steady cool temperature. Plastic
containers are not permitted for storage.
5.3 Quality Analysis
The legal requirements and criteria listed in appendix 1 must be fulfilled.

6. Bee Health
A bee colony should be able to correct any occurring imbalances out of its own resources.
Measures taken by the Demeter beekeeper should aim to reinforce and maintain its vitality and
capacity for self-regeneration. The occasional loss of colonies particularly susceptible to certain
pests and diseases should be accepted as a necessary part of natural selection.
Where the implementation of pest and disease control measures is unavoidable, only those
treatments listed in appendix 2 may be applied.

7. Certification
Certification of a Demeter beekeeping operation will be granted if the beekeeper or the person
responsible can demonstrate sufficient aptitude and show that the Demeter Standard
requirements are being met. Hive products and beehives may be tested for prohibited
substances if felt necessary.
If residues are discovered their cause will have to be addressed and the problem removed
through consultation between beekeeper and assessment officer.

8. Conversion
A conversion plan is required leading to full certification after, at most, three years. "In
conversion to Demeter" status may be granted if 12 months have elapsed since the last
application of prohibited substances and if the old wax used in the combs has been excreted or
replaced by wax of certified organic origin. This initial wax replacement is not necessary if an
analysis of the original wax undertaken at the start of the conversion period or during the first
year of conversion, can demonstrate its purity. This means that wax from the original combs

Demeter International Bee Standards July 2011 6

must be shown to contain no residues from prohibited substances. The assessment officer may
require wax samples to be taken. .

Standards guidelines must be followed when the first year of conversion begins. The following
derogations are allowed during this period:
- Partitioned brood chamber
- Separation Barriers
- Existing brood chamber combs made with waxen midribs. These must (at least 30%)
be replaced with natural comb by the end of the first year of conversion.

9. Trading with Bought-in Products

The sale of bought in products on market stalls or in farm shops is possible in principle. It should
be noted however that:
- Separate records must be kept for bought in products.
- Their identification and in particular their origin and manner of production must be
clearly stated.
- Home and bought in products must be accounted for separately.
- Products from conventional sources may only be stocked if a similar product is
unavailable from Demeter or organic certified sources.
- Products from conventional sources must be clearly labelled as such.
- Products from Demeter or organic sources and those from conventional sources
cannot be offered for sale simultaneously.

10. Demeter Hive Product Identification

If the bee-keeping department of a Demeter farm develops beyond home supply and its
products are marketed more widely, it is necessary to observe the national organic regulations
concerning bee keeping and hive products. Identification of hive products in whatever way
Demeter may be mentioned (e.g. "honey from a Demeter farm"), is only permitted if the
products come from a certified Demeter beekeeping operation. This requires observance of the
Standards for Demeter Beekeeping.

For the identification of Demeter hive products, the guidelines issued by Demeter International
or the relevant national organisations should be followed. All labelling requirements for bee
products are to be detailed in the Demeter International labelling standards.

The labelling and repackaging of honey or other Demeter hive products using the Demeter
symbol is to be implemented according to Chapter 4.1 of the "Standards for the Identification of
Demeter Products" (Table: General Identification of Demeter Products - Additives) or Chapter
4.4.1.2 (Table: Special Forms of Identification of Demeter Products). The following text must be
printed on honey labels:

”The special quality of Demeter honey derives from a unique, species appropriate
approach to bee keeping. Due to their extensive flying range, bees cannot be expected
to fly solely over biodynamically managed areas."

Demeter International Bee Standards July 2011 7

Appendix 1 Measurable Honey Quality Requirements
Water content - measured according to DIN/AOAC - 18% maximum and for heather honey
21.4%.
The HMF content - measured according to Winkler - 10 mg/kg maximum .
The Invertase level - measured according to Hadorn - must be at least 10 (except honeys with a
low content of enzymes like honey from acacia).

Appendix 2 Allowable Treatments and Permitted Substances

Brood removal, warmth treatment, artificial swarming, herb teas, formic acid, acetic acid, lactic
acid, oxalic acid, non-transgenic bacillus thuringiensis, sodium carbonate for disinfecting of
‘American Foul Brood’ organic produced sugar, salt.

Colonies requiring emergency treatment must have their harvest removed before hand.
Products originating from treated colonies cannot be marketed using the trade mark during the
same season.

Appendix 3 Transportation, Decanting, Heating.

Transportation Containers
Using containers of artificial materials for honey is only permitted for the purposes of
transportation and special contracts.

Decanting of Honey:
In the event that yields of particular kinds of honey exceed the average amount sold during a
year, honey may be stored in larger containers and transferred later into jars for retailing so long
as the following conditions are met:

• At least the average amount of each kind of honey sold during the year must be filled into
the retail jars (glass or metal) immediately after harvest and before it starts to consolidate.
Where wholesaling and export is concerned this is of course not possible.
• Full documentation is needed to show how much of which kind has been filled into what size
of container.
• Honey should only be heated to a stage where it can flow (creamy consistency). It should
then immediately be filled into the appropriate jars.
• Under no circumstances should the honey be liquidised.

It is important in the context of this derogation that exact records are kept of warming the honey
and decanting it. The full details including date, quantity and process need to be accessible to
the assessment officer.

Only an indirect warming of the honey can be considered. Heating beyond 35 °C is to be

completely avoided.

Demeter International Bee Standards July 2011 8