Deutscher Berufs- und Erwerbsimkerbund e.V. (DBIB)

The national association of professional and income-earning (full- and part-time) beekeepers, founded in 1928 in Soltau (Lower Saxony) and now based in Berlin. It has about 1,100 members and mainly represents commercial beekeepers towards policy-makers and business (honey market, honey fraud, plant protection, bee health). It organises two major beekeeping fairs (eurobee, Celler Imkertage) and runs the eurobee Honey Award.

Voluntary, open to all beekeepers, including hobbyists. According to the website, those with fewer than 30 colonies join as supporting members: they get the same benefits but cannot vote at general meetings. Join with an application form.

• at least 130 EUR

Annual fee (fee rules valid from 1 January 2025) by number of colonies: €130 for supporting members and up to 25 colonies, €170 for 26–70 colonies, €250 from 71 colonies. Group membership for clubs is €65 per member; trainees and students are exempt on request. Due by 31 March each year.

Fee basis: number of animals

• Representation in agricultural policy (honey market, honey fraud, plant protection)
• Discounted beekeeper insurance: business, legal expenses, accident (Gaede & Glauerdt)
• Expert advice, training, workshops (e.g. Asian hornet control)
• eurobee and Celler Imkertage fairs, eurobee Honey Award
• Newsletter, annual report, member discount scheme

• berufsimker.de
• DBIB – Über den Verband
• DBIB – Mitglied werden
• DBIB – Beitragsordnung (gültig ab 1.1.2025)
• DBIB – Impressum
• DBIB – Kontakt