Honey production in Cyprus has dropped by up to 30% because of weather issues. Producers are also struggling with unfair competition from imported honey, says Senior Agriculture Officer Lysandros Lysandridis.
Mr. Lysandridis explained that the pressure on bee populations is a big global problem. Bees are vital for biodiversity, environmental balance, and farming. They help pollinate 75% of the world’s plants and 80–90% of many fruits and crops. Their role is especially important in Cyprus, which is hit hard by climate change.
Main causes of the decline, he pointed out, include climate change, habitat loss from urbanization and fires, and poor pesticide use. For instance, Bulgaria has lost up to 90% of its bee colonies, while the United States expects losses around 70%.
In Cyprus, bee losses aren’t as bad thanks to beekeepers’ experience with dry conditions and their efforts to recover losses. However, he mentioned that the impact on production is significant. In tough weather years, honey production per hive can drop by at least 30%.
According to Mr. Lysandridis, higher temperatures, longer droughts, fires, and urban growth greatly reduce wild plants, which limits pollen and nectar. He also noted changes in bees’ biological cycles, which weaken their immune systems and make them more susceptible to pests like wasps and bee-eaters that have become more active lately.
The government is aware of these issues and is taking action. They have national and community support measures like the Beekeeping Program and initiatives from the 2023–2027 Strategic Plan. These focus on biodiversity, organic beekeeping, and hive management. There are also subsidies for moving hives.
The main problem remains unfair competition from imported honey, according to Mr. Lysandridis. For example, honey from China costs about €1.39 per kilo in the EU, while Cypriot honey sells for around €10 per kilo. Even with rising production costs, Cypriot beekeepers haven’t increased their prices, raising questions about the future of their profession.
Despite these challenges, Cyprus has a honey self-sufficiency rate of 45%. Plus, a good number of young people under 40 are involved in the industry, which gives some hope. It’s important to highlight the quality of Cypriot honey and educate consumers about the adulteration found in many imported honeys to support beekeeping’s future in Cyprus.
