Barbados Busy Boosting Bees, But Still Importing Honey.

Beekeeping and honey production as well as methods to advance apiculture in Barbados were discussed on Thursday, as the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security received beekeeping equipment from the Food and Agriculture Organization.

The beekeeping and honey industry in Barbados has been growing steadily over the past few years, largely driven by increased interest in local, organic products and the recognition of bees’ critical role in agriculture.

While the island’s honey production is still small compared to larger countries, Barbadian honey is known for its quality, and local beekeepers are becoming more organised and innovative.

Beekeeping is receiving more attention from both the government and private sector.

Organisations like the Barbados Apiculture Association (BAA) work to support beekeepers, offering training and advocacy. Government programmes are also encouraging young farmers to explore apiculture as a viable industry.

There is a strong focus on sustainable practices to protect local bee populations. Beekeepers are increasingly aware of the importance of preserving the environment, as bees are crucial pollinators for the island’s agriculture. The industry’s growth aligns with wider environmental conservation efforts in Barbados.

Acting Chief Agriculture Officer, Michael James, who spoke at the presentation at the Ministry’s headquarters, emphasised the critical role beekeeping plays in supporting the local economy and enhancing food security.

The donated supplies included suits, startup kits, personal protective equipment, smokers, cutting tools, frames, wax foundations, buckets and pails, and an extractor.

In providing an update on the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to expand the beekeeping industry through training initiatives, Mr. James noted that over the years, hundreds of new beekeepers had been trained, yet some had not progressed to establishing and managing hives.

“One of the challenges is ensuring that newly trained beekeepers continue managing their hives actively,” he said. He stressed the importance of hive management, particularly in light of Barbados’ recent extreme weather patterns alternating between hot and rainy days, which have a direct impact on honey production.

Mr. James also highlighted the importance of pest control, forage management, and strategies to mitigate stress on hives, which can affect the bees’ food stores, including the honey sought for commercial use.

Like many regions, Barbadian beekeepers face challenges, including the threat of diseases like the Varroa mite, which can devastate bee colonies. Pesticide use in agriculture also remains a concern, though there are growing calls for more bee-friendly farming practices.

The acting Chief Agriculture Officer noted that honey, especially when harvested from wild hives, needs to meet certain safety standards.

He said the Ministry is working towards establishing a central location where honey could be extracted and tested, ensuring it is safe for consumption. “We want to produce not just local honey but local, high-quality honey,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Senior Agriculture Assistant, Bernard Thompson, announced that the Ministry had made strides in encouraging more women and young people to enter the apiculture industry.

“Out of the 21 persons trained in June, we’re proud to report that 16 are already actively managing hives, with half of them being women,” Mr. Thompson shared.

He also mentioned the inclusion of school-aged students in the training programmes, and noted that this inclusion reflects the Ministry’s efforts to engage the younger generation.

According to Mr. Thompson, the demand for locally produced honey continues to rise, and the Ministry is “working to meet that demand”.

“By the end of 2025, we hope to produce enough honey locally to reduce imports by 10 to 15 per cent. The focus is not just on quantity but also on quality, we are dedicated to ensuring that the honey produced in Barbados is of the highest standard. Local raw honey will be something we can proudly stand by,” Mr. Thompson stated.