"Namibian Beekeepers Clinch Silver at London Honey Show"
Johan and Liezl Lepen, dedicated beekeepers from Namibia, have reaped the sweet rewards of their labor as their honey claimed second place at the prestigious National Honey Show held at the Sandown Park Racecourse in Surrey, London, from October 26 to 28.
The National Honey Show is a grand celebration of beekeepers from across the globe and the intricate art and science of beekeeping. This year, the event received an impressive 2,400 entries from more than 90 countries.
The Lepen's honey competed in Class 9, going head-to-head with entries from South Africa, Chile, and Oman, and secured an impressive second place, a testament to its exceptional quality.
This remarkable event featured nearly 250 competitive categories where beekeepers had the opportunity to showcase their skills, knowledge, and the quality of their honey and hive products.
The Lepens' journey into beekeeping began when a swarm of bees found their home on their farm, prompting them to enroll in a beginner's beekeeping course and start with a single beehive.
The Namibia Agricultural Union's newsletter noted, "Soon, one swarm of bees followed another, and they were welcomed with open arms."
In May, the Beekeeping Association of Namibia organized a honey-judging and tasting event with support from FNB through the FirstRand Namibia Foundation. This event was part of a week-long campaign to raise awareness in collaboration with the Honey Judges Guild and the South African Beekeeping Industry Organization.
Although Johan could not personally attend the event, he packaged three jars of his honey and submitted them for evaluation.
Reflecting on the journey, he emphasized the invaluable lessons learned from beekeeping. Bees, with their diligent nature and crucial role in pollination, are a precious gift from nature. Johan expressed hope that more people would embrace beekeeping, recognizing its significance not only as a source of food but also for its medicinal and ecological importance.
"The true value of bees lies in their vital role in sustaining and ensuring the reproduction of plants, supporting nature, and contributing to the cycle of life," he stated.
The Ministry of Agriculture, responsible for promoting sustainable agriculture, actively supports and participates in the Beekeeping Advisory Board. According to the Namibia Agricultural Union newsletter, the ministry will initiate a national survey for the development of the beekeeping industry in 2024 to provide an updated and accurate country report on apiculture.
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