Championing Local Honey: The Call from Croatian Beekeepers

In the picturesque town of Pazin, the 18th Days of Honey event brought together beekeepers, equipment manufacturers, and honey enthusiasts to celebrate the craft of beekeeping and the excellence of local honey, particularly the chestnut variety which took the top honors this year. Amidst the celebration, however, were pressing concerns about the authenticity and quality of honey available in the market.

The Importance of Local Honey

Local honey, like the champion chestnut honey from Pazin, is not just a sweet treat; it's a testament to the dedication of beekeepers and the unique flora of the region. It embodies the essence of the local environment and offers a range of benefits, from supporting local economies to providing health benefits linked to local pollen.

Battling Honey Counterfeiting

The issue of honey counterfeiting and the need for stringent quality control measures were central themes. With Croatia's honey consumption among the lowest per capita in Europe, ensuring the integrity of honey on the market is crucial for building consumer trust and encouraging the consumption of this natural resource.

The Call for EU Action

The revelation that 46% of honey at the European Union level is of dubious origin is alarming. Croatian beekeepers are advocating for the EU to take decisive action, including the potential banning of honey mixtures, to protect the authenticity and quality of honey.

Protecting Honey with European Labels of Origin

Efforts are underway in Istria to secure a European label of origin for their honey, joining other Croatian honeys that have received such protection. This move is aimed at guaranteeing the quality and authenticity of their honey, ensuring consumers can trust the products they buy.

Educating Consumers and Beekeepers

The new leadership of the Lipa beekeepers association from Pazin emphasizes the importance of educating both consumers and beekeepers. Through continuous education and the attraction of new, uneducated beekeepers to the craft, they hope to elevate the standards of beekeeping and honey production.

The Verdict: Buy Local

The overarching message from Croatian beekeepers is clear: buying honey from a local and trusted beekeeper is the best way to ensure quality and support the local economy. This practice not only benefits consumers with high-quality honey but also supports the preservation of biodiversity and the beekeeping tradition.

FAQs

Q: Why is local honey preferred? A: Local honey is preferred for its quality, the support it offers to local economies, and its environmental benefits, including promoting biodiversity and reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation.

Q: What are the challenges facing the honey market? A: Challenges include honey counterfeiting, the need for better quality control, low consumption rates, and the import of honey of dubious origin.

Q: How can consumers ensure they are buying authentic honey? A: Consumers can ensure authenticity by purchasing honey directly from trusted local beekeepers or seeking products with recognized labels of origin.

Q: What actions are being taken to protect the quality of honey? A: Actions include advocating for EU-level interventions, pursuing European labels of origin for regional honeys, and educating both consumers and beekeepers on the importance of quality and authenticity.

Event: The 18th Days of Honey took place in Pazin, gathering about 80 exhibitors, equipment manufacturers, and beekeepers.
Highlight: Chestnut honey was declared the champion following a challenging honey-bearing season.
Concerns: Beekeepers highlighted issues with honey counterfeiting and stressed the need for better quality control in the domestic market.
Consumption: Despite the high quality of local honey, Croatia ranks low in honey consumption per capita, with an annual consumption of one and a half kilos per inhabitant.
Production and Import: Croatian beekeepers produce 7 to 11 thousand tons of honey annually, sufficient for domestic needs, yet an additional 3,000 tons are imported, often of dubious origin.
EU Concerns: Data indicates that 46% of honey at the European Union level is of dubious origin, with calls for the EU to consider banning honey mixtures.
Protection Efforts: Istrian beekeepers aim to protect their honey with a European label of origin to guarantee its quality, joining other protected Croatian honeys.
Recommendation: The best advice for consumers is to buy honey from a local and trusted beekeeper.

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