Signals of serious problems in the production of honey

Cyprus International University (CIU) Rectorate Coordinator and Faculty of Arts and Sciences Faculty Member Assist. Prof. Dr. Erkay Özgör, drew attention to the serious difficulties in the coming days in relation to the supply of honey, which is one of the most important animal products in Cyprus, in terms of its naturalness and quality.

Expressing that the necessary care for bee colonies could not be provided this year due to both the seasonal drought and the Covid-19 pandemic process, Özgör said that for this reason, there was a great decrease in the harvest of honey.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Özgör, pointed out that most of the bee colonies are faced with the danger of extinction, due to this situation, and elaborated, "these negative developments caused the amount of honey that was already insufficient for our island, to decrease even more”.

Increase in Hhney prices due to the trouble in honey production
Underlining that the demand for honey will not be met until the honey harvest period next year, Özgör reminded that there was an increase in honey prices due to the decreasing honey production and economic problems.

Özgör noted that in addition to all these problems, due to microbial and parasitic diseases that are observed in weak hives, around 30 thousand colonies have decreased in Cyprus, and this situation will negatively affect the existing beekeeping sector.

Expressing that the consumption of honey, which has an immune-enhancing effect, will increase in the coming winter season in order to prevent flu cases and symptoms caused by coronavirus, Özgör advised to buy honey from beekeepers who apply reliable and correct beekeeping techniques in the country, or from people who sell natural and high quality Cyprus honey.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Özgör stated that the quality of honey produced in the country is high, and went on to say: “the import of honey is forbidden, but during certain periods is brought to our island with special permission, however we know it is not a substitute for honey produced in our country, for this reason the Cyprus International University provides all kinds of support to beekeepers, both with our scientific studies and without any charge, in order to support the beekeeping industry. Our beekeepers who received this support achieved high honey yield in the current season”.