A large shortage of honey is expected in stores

By: Trademagazin Date: 2023. 07. 06. 11:59

Gyula Somogyi, the president of the Nagykanizsa and Környéke Bee Association, told InfoRádio that beekeepers have less and less money, so they will not be able to use the newly announced subsidies. Somogyi also said that very little honey was produced in Hungary this year, and the situation of beekeepers is hopeless.

According to the expert, in order to improve the situation of Hungarian beekeepers, the state should pay special attention to the fight against counterfeiting of honey, mainly from abroad. The Ministry of Agriculture announced this year’s support programs with HUF 2.8 billion in resources, which aim to help the work of beekeepers. These grants provide assistance for the acquisition of new beekeeping tools, protection against bee diseases and pests, the transfer of professional knowledge, and in the area of the honey market.

According to the honey production expert, it is a problem that the devices for which the subsidies were announced always become more expensive. As an example, he mentioned the barrels, the price of which last year, when there was still support, was HUF 5-6 thousand per piece. However, after the subsidies were paid, the price immediately rose to HUF 13,000-16,000. Therefore, according to Gyula Somogyi, beekeepers would rather benefit if they could sell their honey at a good price.

Unfortunately, there is not enough honey this year. There was maybe a small amount of acacia honey in some places, but overall it was just a below-average year. The same is true for rapeseed honey. Even if the weather continues, there won’t be enough honeydew honey either. According to Gyula Somogyi, the situation is bad for beekeepers all over Europe, and until the European Union puts order in the field of honey counterfeiting, this will not change.