In W39, in the honey landscape, nearly half of the honey imported into Europe shows signs of counterfeiting, and this problem is rising. Experts warn that the European Union (EU) may lose 5 million honey bee colonies by 2030 if no action is taken. Concrete measures are needed to overcome this, including tightening control rules and introducing labeling that discloses the percentage of honey from each country of origin. Greater transparency and clear information for consumers are essential to addressing counterfeiting, in addition to other measures proposed by beekeepers.
In 2022, Turkey had 8.9 million beehives, with an annual honey production of 118 thousand metric tons (mt) at an average yield of 13 kilograms (kg) per hive. This represents a 59% increase from 74 thousand mt of honey produced in 2002 and a 117% increase in the number of beehives from 4.1 million. Turkey's diverse geography allows plants to bloom at different times of the year, making it an ideal place for beekeeping, with 75% of the world's honey plant flora. Turkey produces 24 types of commercial honey including flower (highland), pine, chestnut, thyme, astragalus, citrus, cotton, and sunflower honey. Turkey also leads the world in pine honey production, contributing to 90% of the global total. The country has 26 registered honey varieties with geographical indications, and 16 more varieties are awaiting registration in the application stage.
Syrian beekeepers are facing challenges in honey production due to the impact of years of war, economic collapse, and worsening climate change effects. Rankos, once famous for its honey, suffered severe destruction during government-rebel fighting, causing many residents to flee. Syria had 635 thousand hives before the war, which dropped to 150 thousand in 2016. Currently, the number has increased to 400 thousand hives, but honey production remains at only 1,500 mt per year, half of pre-war levels. Unusual cold springs and drought have affected the flowers bees rely on. Beekeepers have decreased from 32 thousand before the war to approximately 18 thousand today.
Lastly, honey bees in Switzerland are facing a critical threat, with the possibility of extinction within one to two years. All honey bee colonies in Switzerland are said to be chronically ill, primarily due to infection with the varroa mite, an external parasite that attacks and feeds on honey bees. Urgent action is needed from beekeepers to address this dire situation.