Poland is unique in that instrumentally inseminated queens, IIQs, are commonly used in production hives, as well as for breeding purposes. Annually, an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 IIQs are produced and sold by commercial queen breeders to beekeepers to head field colonies for pollination and honey production..

Beekeeping in Poland has a long history of government support for quality control and selective breeding. For over 40 years Polish law has regulated breeding stocks, farm animal management and reproduction. This effort has resulted in the routine use and perfection of instrumental insemination techniques for honey bees. 

Visiting Poland a few years ago, I had the pleasure of being hosted by Dr.