Moldova could produce 10 times more honey than at present

The Moldovan beekeepers will produce 1,300 to 1,500 tonnes of honey this year, Vladimir Radionov, division head at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, predicted. At a roundtable meeting held to mark the Beekeeper’s Day on Wednesday, he said that the foundation of the National Beekeepers Association three years ago enabled to more efficiently organize the apiculturists and exchange experience between different groups of beekeepers, Info-Prim Neo reports. Vladimir Radionov also said that the problem of honey testing was solved by installing equipment worth 2.5 million euros at the Diagnosis Center. Now the honey testing methods meet the European standards. “We hope that the export to the EU will be resumed soon. The Moldovan honey must satisfy the demands of the large retail outlets in Europe and meet the packing and labeling standards so that the consumers know all the information about the product and the producer,” Radionov said. Stefan Contratiuc, president of the National Beekeepers Association, said that the melliferous basis of Moldova allows keeping about 500,000 families of bees that can produce between 12,000-14,000 tonnes of honey a year. This capacity is now only 10% used. “No conditions are created for intensely developing apiculture. For instance, the National Association brings together 3,500 beekeepers. About 70% of them are elderly persons. Young people are needed in the area and the Government should stimulate them,” Stefan Contratiuc said. He considers that the Government could pay the interest on the bank loans taken out by young apiculturists and support the training in the field. The fifth fair-exhibition of honey products opened in Chisinau on August 19 and will last by August 23. Thirty-five beekeepers representing 20 district associations are taking part in the event. A honey lottery with sweet prizes to the value of 10,000 lei offered by the general sponsor will be held as part of the fair.