The reduction in honey production in Cyprus is up to 30% due to weather conditions, while the challenges facing producers include unfair competition from imported honey, Senior Agriculture Officer Lysandros Lysandrides tells CNA.
As Mr. Lysandrides said, the pressure on bee populations – which play a key role in maintaining biodiversity, environmental balance and agricultural production – is a global and multifactorial phenomenon. It is indicative, he noted, that bees participate in the pollination of 75% of the planet's plants and in 80–90% of the production of many fruit and arable crops, making their presence critical, especially in countries like Cyprus that are strongly affected by the consequences of climate change.
The main causes of the decline, he said, are climate change, habitat loss due to urbanization and fires, and the irrational use of pesticides. Typical examples are countries such as Bulgaria, where, he said, it is estimated that up to 90% of colonies have been lost, as well as the United States, which is expected to record losses of around 70%.
In Cyprus, beehive losses do not reach similar levels, mainly due to the experience of beekeepers in dry and hot conditions, but also the costly efforts they make to replace the losses, he added. Nevertheless, he said, the consequences on production are significant, as in years with adverse weather conditions the average honey production per hive is reduced by at least 30%.
According to Mr. Lysandrides, increased temperatures, prolonged drought, fires and urbanization are leading to a dramatic shrinkage of wild vegetation, limiting the available pollen and nectar. At the same time, he said, there are changes in the biological cycle of bees, which weaken their immune system and make them more vulnerable to pathogens and enemies, such as wasps and the honeybee, whose activity has increased in recent years.
Recognizing these impacts, the state is implementing a series of national and community support measures, such as the Beekeeping Program, actions of the Strategic Plan 2023–2027 for biodiversity, organic beekeeping and bee swarm management, as well as aid for the cost of moving hives.
However, the most important problem of the sector remains, according to Mr. Lysandrides, the unfair competition from imported honey. For example, the import price of honey from China to the EU is approximately €1,39 per kilo, while Cypriot honey is sold at retail for around €10 per kilo. Despite the increase in production costs, Cypriot beekeepers have not proceeded with corresponding price increases, which calls into question the viability of the profession, he added.
Despite the difficulties, data regarding Cyprus' self-sufficiency in honey, which amounts to 45%, as well as the high percentage of young people under 40 years of age who are active in the sector, create conditions for moderate optimism, said Mr. Lysandrides. Highlighting the qualitative superiority of Cypriot honey and informing the consumer about the adulteration of a large part of imported honey are crucial factors for the support and sustainability of beekeeping in Cyprus, he concluded.
