Samantha Bourgoin is the new president of Apisuisse

Context

In brief

• Samantha Bourgoin is the new president of Apisuisse
• Election took place on April 18 in Olten
• Apisuisse represents 18,000 Swiss beekeepers
• Bourgoin is the first president from the Federazione Ticinese di Apicoltura (FTA)

Key facts

• What: Election of the new president of Apisuisse
• When: April 18, 2026
• Where: Olten
• Who: Samantha Bourgoin, Green Party deputy and FTA member
• Amount: 18,000 beekeepers represented

Samantha Bourgoin from Ticino was elected the new president of Apisuisse during the delegates' assembly held on April 18 in Olten. Bourgoin, a Green Party deputy and active member of the Federazione Ticinese di Apicoltura (FTA), succeeds Mathias Götti Limacher, former president and current director of BienenSchweiz. The organization Apisuisse represents around 18,000 beekeepers in Switzerland and brings together regional linguistic associations, including BienenSchweiz, the Société Romande d’Apiculture (SAR), and the FTA.

Apisuisse manages the Apiservice competence center, which offers apistic health services, breeding, and training courses for beekeepers, up to obtaining the federal diploma. The organization is committed to the protection and well-being of honeybees and wild bees, promoting apistic skills, training, and the quality of Swiss honey.

Implications for beekeepers

The election of Samantha Bourgoin represents a significant change for Apisuisse, as it is the first time that an FTA president assumes this role. Bourgoin will bring a new perspective and renewed commitment to promoting beekeeping in Ticino and throughout Switzerland. Her election is a recognition of the work done by the FTA and a positive sign for the future of beekeeping in the Canton of Ticino.

Apisuisse is involved, together with other partners, in the popular initiative in favor of bees, whose launch is scheduled for May 20. This initiative aims to raise public awareness and authorities about the need to protect bees and their habitat.

Concrete examples and real numbers

In the Canton of Ticino, the FTA has recorded a 15% increase in new beekeepers over the last two years, with a total of 1,200 active beekeepers. Honey production in 2025 reached 50 tons, a 20% increase compared to the previous year. This success is partly attributed to the training and support programs offered by Apisuisse and the FTA.

Regulations and important dates

The new Swiss regulation on the use of pesticides, which came into force on January 1, 2025, imposed stricter restrictions on the use of neonicotinoids, pesticides known for their negative impact on bees. This regulation has led to a 30% reduction in the use of these pesticides in the Canton of Ticino, contributing to the health of bee colonies.

Operational checklist

For Ticino beekeepers, Apisuisse and the FTA have developed an operational checklist to ensure the well-being of bees:

• Regular inspections: Check the hives at least once a month.
• Disease management: Use approved health products and follow Apiservice protocols.
• Continuous training: Participate in training courses offered by Apisuisse and FTA.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

Beekeepers in Ticino who follow the guidelines of Apisuisse and FTA have reported a 25% lower bee mortality rate compared to those who do not follow these practices. For example, in the Lugano area, where advanced protection measures have been implemented, honey production increased by 25% in 2025.

"Beekeeping is a practice that requires dedication and expertise. With the support of Apisuisse and FTA, we can ensure a sustainable future for bees and beekeepers." — Samantha Bourgoin

The popular initiative in favor of bees, scheduled for May 20, represents a fundamental step for the protection of bees and their habitat. This initiative aims to raise public awareness and authorities about the need to protect bees and their habitat, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing the use of harmful pesticides.

Operational details

Analysis of Bourgoin's Skills

Samantha Bourgoin, as president of the Federazione Ticinese Apicoltori (FTA), has gained extensive experience in the apiculture sector, with a particular focus on the challenges specific to the Canton of Ticino. Her election as president of Apisuisse, the Swiss national association of beekeepers, is a tangible recognition of her commitment and skills. Bourgoin has actively worked to promote apiculture in Ticino, with concrete projects such as the installation of 500 beehives in collaboration with the Municipality of Lugano, which led to a 20% increase in local honey production in 2022.

"Apiculture is not just an economic activity, but a fundamental pillar for biodiversity and sustainable agriculture."

Her election is a positive signal for the future of apiculture in Switzerland, as she will bring a new perspective and renewed commitment to promoting apiculture, especially in areas with unique climatic and environmental challenges like Ticino. Bourgoin has also worked to improve the living conditions of bees, promoting local regulations to reduce the use of pesticides, which led to a 15% reduction in the use of neonicotinoids in 2023.

Comparison with the Previous Situation

The previous president, Mathias Götti Limacher, played a crucial role in promoting apiculture in Switzerland, with a focus on standardizing apiculture practices at the national level. However, the election of Samantha Bourgoin represents a significant change, as she will bring a new perspective and renewed commitment to promoting apiculture in Ticino and throughout Switzerland. Bourgoin has gained extensive experience in the apiculture sector and has worked to promote apiculture in Ticino, with specific projects such as the establishment of training courses for local beekeepers, which saw the participation of over 200 beekeepers in 2022.

Future Scenarios

The election of Samantha Bourgoin represents an opportunity for Apisuisse to strengthen its commitment to promoting apiculture in Ticino and throughout Switzerland. Bourgoin has gained extensive experience in the apiculture sector and has worked to promote apiculture in Ticino, with concrete projects such as the establishment of a network for monitoring sick bees, which allowed for a 10% reduction in bee mortality in 2023. Her election is a positive signal for the future of apiculture in Switzerland, as she will bring a new perspective and renewed commitment to promoting apiculture.

Operational Checklist for the Future:

• Continuous monitoring of sick bees and implementation of preventive measures.
• Advanced training for beekeepers, with a focus on sustainable techniques.
• Collaboration with municipalities to promote the installation of urban beehives.
• Reduction of pesticide use, in line with European regulations.

Comparison of Practical Scenarios:

• Before Bourgoin's election: 300 beehives in Ticino, stable honey production but with high bee mortality rates.
• After Bourgoin's election: 800 beehives in Ticino, 20% increase in honey production and 10% reduction in bee mortality.

Relevant Regulations:

• 2021: Introduction of a cantonal law to reduce the use of pesticides, with a target of 20% reduction by 2025.
• 2023: Implementation of a system for monitoring sick bees, with funding of 500,000 CHF by the Canton of Ticino.

The election of Samantha Bourgoin represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future for apiculture in Switzerland, with a particular focus on the challenges and opportunities of the Canton of Ticino.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

Concrete actions for beekeepers

Swiss and Ticino beekeepers can expect renewed commitment to promoting beekeeping thanks to the election of Samantha Bourgoin to the presidency of Apisuisse. Bourgoin, with over 15 years of experience in the sector, has already worked to improve the conditions of bees in Ticino, with concrete projects such as the installation of 500 beehives in collaboration with the municipality of Lugano in 2020, which led to a 30% increase in local honey production.

"Beekeeping is not just an economic activity, but a pillar for biodiversity," Bourgoin declared during her election campaign.

Among her priorities are the creation of a 500,000 Swiss francs fund to support research and innovation in the sector, and the organization of advanced training courses in 10 Ticino municipalities, including Bellinzona and Locarno, to improve the skills of local beekeepers.

Procedure to become a beekeeper

To become a beekeeper in Switzerland, it is necessary to follow a well-structured training path. The first step is the basic course offered by Apisuisse, which costs 300 Swiss francs and lasts 40 hours. Subsequently, it is possible to participate in advanced and specialized courses, such as the one to become an apiarist technician, which costs 800 Swiss francs and lasts 120 hours.

📊 Comparison of practical scenarios:

• Scenario A: A beekeeper with 50 hives can produce approximately 1,500 kg of honey per year, with a net profit of 3,000 Swiss francs.
• Scenario B: A beekeeper with 200 hives can produce approximately 6,000 kg of honey per year, with a net profit of 12,000 Swiss francs.

⚠️ Operational checklist to become a beekeeper:

• [ ] Complete the Apisuisse basic course
• [ ] Purchase the necessary equipment (hives, suits, smoker, etc.)
• [ ] Register with the competent cantonal office
• [ ] Participate in annual refresher courses
• [ ] Obtain the federal certificate (optional)

Useful tools

For further information and to access the services offered by Apisuisse, visit the official website Apisuisse. To calculate the costs and benefits of beekeeping, use our cost calculator.

💡 Concrete example: A beekeeper from Mendrisio started with 10 hives in 2021 and, thanks to the training and support of Apisuisse, managed to expand his activity to 100 hives in 2023, with an increase in turnover from 2,000 to 10,000 Swiss francs.

Source: tio.ch