In W26 in the honey landscape, the current European Union (EU) directive on honey only allows for the labeling of honey mixtures without specifying the proportion from different countries, leading to potential consumer confusion. Therefore, Hungary and other member states have called for a change in this practice, advocating for the inclusion of the proportion of each country's honey in percentage form on the label to provide consumers with a comprehensive understanding of the origin of honey mixtures. The Ministry of Agriculture in Hungary announced support schemes for beekeepers in 2023, allocating a budget of USD 8.19 million for tool acquisition, protection against bee diseases and pests, knowledge transfer, and honey marketing. The quarantine disease known as nosematosis was identified in an apiary located in the Kirovsky district of the Primorsky Territory, Russia. Nosematosis is a highly dangerous disease that affects bees, leading to the weakening and eventual death of bee colonies, which could lead to serious economic losses. Russia's State Commission has instructed Rosstandart to develop a new method for determining the authenticity of honey using isotope analysis of sugars. Currently, there is no specific regulation defining honey in Russia, except for the voluntary standard "Natural honey specifications" under GOST. Legislative changes are needed to address this gap and establish clear definitions for honey, as falsified honey constitutes about 70% of the honey supply in Russia and globally, with modern technologies enabling the production of synthetic honey. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food of the Republic of Slovenia has announced measures of up to USD 53,147 for the maintenance of bees and up to USD 19,132 in the form of grants for promoting beekeeping to support beekeeping in the country.
A study published in The ISME Journal reveals that honeybees in Canada face increased vulnerability to infectious diseases due to widespread pesticide use and reduced floral diversity. Scientists conducted a study in California's commercial apiaries to mitigate this issue, delivering probiotics to the hives through a probiotic pollen patty and a spray-based delivery system. The study demonstrated various health benefits associated with the supplementation, providing potential solutions for supporting honeybee health. Lastly, scientists in the United States (US) have conducted successful tests on a novel method to enhance the immune system of honeybees, enabling them to combat deadly viruses, particularly those transmitted by Varroa mites. This research holds significance as bees face numerous viruses and stressors within hive environments, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to safeguard bee health.
