Beekeepers Expect Good Honey Harvest This Year
The Latvian Beekeeping Association reports favorable weather conditions this year, leading to an expected good honey harvest, though the season is not yet over.
Valters Brusbārdis, chairman of the board of the Latvian Beekeeping Association (LBB), stated that this year overall a good honey harvest is expected. The season is still ongoing for beekeepers – honey production will continue through July and into August when heather blooms.
According to Brusbārdis, weather conditions have been favorable: plants have sufficient moisture, recent rain improved soil humidity, and temperatures are adequate. Excessive drought would be undesirable as plants would lack water, making it harder for bees to access nectar. Compared to last year, this year's conditions are significantly better. Last year was considered poor, especially in eastern Latvia, where there was excessive moisture and flooding.
Beekeepers use remote monitoring systems to track honey yield in hives. Current data indicates good yields.
Regarding market trends, Brusbārdis noted that honey production in other European countries will have a major impact. Latvian beekeepers export a large portion of their production, mainly to Poland and Germany, as well as smaller amounts to other countries. Wholesale prices in these countries directly affect the Latvian market. Since many professional beekeepers produce more than the local market needs, export is essential.
Currently, honey prices have not changed significantly – after last year's poor season, prices stabilized and returned to normal levels. Last year saw an unusual situation where beekeepers in eastern Latvia bought honey from others to supply their clients. Predicting prices now is difficult as the season is still underway and honey extraction continues. Prices can fluctuate; they have previously dropped to one euro per kilogram, while the normal wholesale price is above three euros.
Brusbārdis also warned of a potential threat – a new exotic pest, the Tropilaelaps mite, which may have appeared in Belarus, though there is no official confirmation. The pest originates from Asia and is slowly moving westward; it has previously been detected in Ukraine.
