Northern Ireland is hosting the 14th International Meeting of Young Beekeepers for the first time, with 75 competitors from 27 countries taking part.

The event, organized by the Ulster Beekeepers Association, runs until July 8 at Minnowburn Apiary. Activities include hive inspections, equipment building, country presentations, and wildflower planting. Teams deliberately mix nationalities to encourage shared learning.

Several international participants described the Irish honeybees as more aggressive than those in their home countries. Elija, from Austria, said they were a little more aggressive. Elan, from Australia, was stung and agreed they were more aggressive than Australian bees. Nikol, from Bulgaria, reported they were almost the same but slightly more aggressive, though she was not stung.

John, competing for Northern Ireland, said he enjoyed making frames, building a super, designing labels, and forming new friendships.

Brian Grzymek, vice chairman of the Ulster Beekeepers Association, noted the competitors come for the contest and to learn how beekeeping is practiced elsewhere. He emphasised that the future of Northern Ireland beekeeping depends on young enthusiasts.

David Cunningham, president of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, visited the apiary and highlighted the critical role of pollination in agriculture. He described the participants' enthusiasm as impressive.