In W27 in the honey landscape, Ukraine’s bee population is facing a concerning decline, which has significant implications for the beekeeping industry. As of January 1, 2023, there were 2.4 million bees in Ukraine, marking a 10.5% decrease compared to the previous year when there were 2.68 million bees. The main reason behind this decline is the lack of financial incentives for beekeepers. Due to a lack of demand for domestic bees and the inability to cover the expenses of maintaining apiaries, many beekeepers have been forced to sell their large-scale apiaries containing 250 to 300 hives. This situation poses a threat to the apiculture industry in Ukraine.
Iran's honey output is expected to rise by 4% annually under the strategic plan created and announced in the Iranian calendar year 1397 (Mar18 to Mar19). Furthermore, Iran's Seventh National Development Plan (2022 to 2026) sets a target to raise honey production by 3 to 4 kg per colony. Currently, Iran produces 136 thousand mt of honey from 109,759 apiaries and 11.8 million bee colonies. Approximately 10% of the honey and its byproducts are exported to Turkey and other Arab nations. Maragheh County in Iran produces over 3,300 mt of honey annually, contributing to more than 25% of the province's total honey production.
Adverse weather conditions have led to a decline in queen bee production in Ordu, Turkey’s top honey-producing province, and queen bees are currently sold for USD 7.65 each. In Şırnak's Beytüşşebap and Uludere districts, the Faraşin and Avaspi highlands will accommodate 40 thousand beehives. Beekeepers anticipate successful lavender blossom honey production in 2023. Hungary's Ministry of Agriculture has announced support measures for beekeepers in 2023, amounting to USD 8.18 million. These initiatives aim to assist beekeepers in obtaining new equipment, protecting against bee diseases and pests, and sharing professional knowledge. However, the cost of beekeeping equipment has been increasing, and honey production is insufficient this year, with the availability of honey, particularly acacia and rapeseed honey, limited in certain areas. Beekeepers prefer to sell their honey at a good price rather than relying solely on subsidies.
Lastly, the demand for honey in Jordan has significantly increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the country's four thousand beekeepers have been increasing their honey production.
