Honey production in the Republic of Moldova and honey exports to the EU have declined the past two years, primarily due to drought. In 2017, the Republic of Moldova exported 5,100 tonnes of honey to the EU, in 2018 – 4,100 tonnes, in 2019 – 3,900 tonnes, while last year – 3,300 tonnes, IPN reports.

Vasile Dolghieru, president of the Honey Exporters Association of Moldova, said many families of bees died owing to the unfavorable weather conditions. However, the quantity of honey also declined due to the diminution in Moldova of the areas of honey trees, such as acacia and linden trees that are being cut for firewood, and to the mistakes made by beginner beekeepers that do not ensure the proper hibernation of families of bees. In Moldova, there are more honey trees, but these are centuries-old and honey from them can be obtained in several years.

There is a national apiculture development program that addresses these and other aspects and they hope more honey trees will be planted in concert with “Moldsilva” Agency .

This year, there was primarily extracted acacia honey. “The bees worked also when it rained and there can be honey from other plants too,” said Vasile Dolghieru. The previous year, the purchase price of acacia honey made in Moldova that was exported to the EU varied between €3.8 and €5 per kilogram, while a kilogram of poliflora honey cost €1.4-2.7.

There are now over 7,800 registered beekeepers in Moldova. In 2020, these produced about 3,500 tonnes of bee honey and 3,300 tonnes of them were exported. The European Union is the main market for the national honey. The largest quantities of honey are exported to Italy, France, Slovenia, Romania, Poland, and Germany.