Ten Moldovan beekeepers managed to obtain certification for the organic honey they produce by taking part in a project financed by the USAID-funded Moldova Competitive Agriculture Project.

Contacted by IPN for details, president of the National Association of Beekeepers of Moldova Ştefan Condratiuc said that to obtain such certification, the beekeepers initially launch the process of adjusting to the ecological requirements: change the honeycombs, paint the beehives with natural solutions, introduce organic food for bees, etc.

Ştefan Condratiuc noted that organic beekeeping in Moldova is possible by ensuring a 3-km radius of the pollution source. Fields that meet this condition are identified and the certification procedure is initiated. But not many beekeepers apply as the certification procedures require harvesting honey one or two times a year. That’s why they prefer other areas where harvesting consists of even four stages.

However, when obtaining such a certificate for organic honey, the beekeepers can sell their products by at least 25% more expensive. But those who aim to make a higher profit withdraw from the process.

In Moldova there are about 225,000 bee families. Most of the beekeepers export honey to the EU.