Spain: Honey production in Catalonia falls to 65% of the usual average

The 2024 beekeeping campaign in Catalonia has seen a dramatic decline in honey production, with some areas experiencing a drop of up to 75% in rosemary honey production due to a delayed flowering and drought. Other honey varieties have also been affected, leading to a total loss of around 360 tonnes of honey in the Tarragona regions, equating to over 2.5 million euros in losses. The Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives of Catalonia (FCAC) has identified the Asian Vespa, varroa mites, and high costs of food supplementation and veterinary treatments, along with unfair competition from adulterated honey, as the main challenges facing the sector. The FCAC is advocating for measures to improve pest treatment effectiveness, protect from unfair competition, and support the economic viability of local farms.

The 2024 beekeeping campaign has been particularly tough for the sector in Catalonia, with production barely reaching between 65% and 70% of the historical average, according to the Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives of Catalonia (FCAC). The most affected areas have been Terres de l’Ebre and Camp de Tarragona, where honey production has suffered drastic falls, especially in the rosemary variety. Rosemary honey production has fallen by 75% this year, affected by the delay in flowering and the lack of rain. This honey, one of the most valued in Tarragona, has still not recovered after the 90% loss recorded two years ago. Other varieties have also experienced significant declines: high mountain honey has decreased by 60%, orange blossom honey by 20%, multifloral honey by 35% and other flowering honey by 40%. In total, around 360 tonnes of honey have stopped being produced in the Tarragona regions, which represents losses of over 2.5 million euros. In 2023, Tarragona produced 49% ...