Many levels of stakeholders were involved, from beekeepers, beekeeper organisations and beekeeping and honey commercialisation-related companies to honey and bee research organisations in Estonia and other ​​​​countries, university researchers, test/service laboratories right up to ministries and policymakers.

The main aim of the project was to boost rural economies in Estonia by stimulating sustainable honey production. The test would also empower beekeepers through fair trade practices and improve their livelihoods thanks to the ability to prove the authenticity and origin of their honey. The depth and accuracy of the test, with its tens of millions of DNA sequences involved, also helps to safeguard honeybee health and enable efficient monitoring of parasites and pathogens. It contributes to protecting bee populations by reducing mortality and preventing disease outbreaks.

The project focused on developing a DNA-based method for comprehensive honey analysis. Activities funded by the CAP included beekeeper engagement, involving outreach to beekeepers through seminars, festivals and media to introduce the project and collect honey samples. There was also laboratory method development, where researchers worked on the optimisation of DNA extraction, library preparation and sequencing protocols using Illumina technology.  In addition, the team constructed a reference database of genomic sequences and developed bioinformatics tools for honey DNA analysis.

The knowledge transfer worked both ways. Once conclusions were reached, the project findings were disseminated back to beekeepers through feedback, presentations and media outreach.  

A commercial honey DNA testing service (www.mda-test.com) was subsequently established and was funded separately.  

The project had two main partners: a beekeeping company by the name of Muhe Mesi OÜ and the Tervisetehnoloogiate Arenduskeskus OÜ (competence centre on health technologies), which is a biotechnology company focused on scientific research and product ​​​​development. The Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK) and the Estonian Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture also became involved as the project progressed.

The project boosted the beekeeping industry, leading to an increased number of beekeepers, apiaries and honeybees and benefiting both beekeepers and farmers through improved pollination services. It also helped to develop laboratory expertise and cultivate a highly skilled team. Importantly, there were equal work opportunities across genders. In addition to the beekeepers and project coordinator, between five and seven specialists were usually involved in the project: a female project manager, one or two female lab specialists and one or two bioinformaticians – one or both being female. Most of those involved were also under the age of 40.

Extensive data was generated in the analysis of the biological composition, origin and authenticity of approximately 600 honey samples. This also helped to create an educational impact, inspiring scientific interest in honey DNA analysis. A PhD student, two undergraduate degree students and two high school students have done research studies into honey DNA analysis and been involved in the laboratory. Several students have also contacted the research laboratory since the conclusion of the project.

The project pioneered innovative technology, successfully adapting advanced DNA-based methods from medicine and applying them to food analysis, resulting in a commercially available honey DNA test that meets the needs of all industry stakeholders.

It enhanced honey market integrity, developing a solution to promote fair honey trade, safeguard honeybee health through pathogen monitoring, and provide detailed honey composition information. It also strengthened industry collaboration, fostering strong partnerships between beekeepers and researchers and creating a foundation for future collaborative projects.