France Allocates 3 Million Euros To Combat Asian Hornets

The French Minister for Ecological Transition announced a national plan to combat invasive Asian hornets. The initiative includes an exceptional aid fund of 3 million euros this year to fight the insects and prevent their spread. The invasive species has affected the Alsace region for three years, significantly impacting local beekeepers. One beekeeper reported that the hornets decimated hives throughout the previous summer. The funds will be used by local communities and beekeeping associations to destroy nests and fund research into improved traps. Estelle Ferrari, president of the Villet Valley beekeepers' union, noted that the plan aims to assist individuals who may struggle with the costs of private nest destruction. France is launching major new capability programs for the next decade. The funding is intended to support both prevention and the destruction of nests.