Honey
Humans have long relied on the humble honeybee to produce the most natural sweetener: honey. But with this industrious insect under threat, and other challenges facing producers, the future of honey production looks a little sticky. For many beekeeping families in Africa, Asia and Latin America, honey is an important sideline production. The sale of their honey allows them to improve their income.
The honey industry
Honeybees are crucial for agriculture. Bees pollinate so many of the plants we rely on to provide our food. But bee populations – and our food supply – are under threat from the use of pesticides and a host of other challenges. Small-scale beekeepers have a key role in supporting bees to survive and thrive.
Beekeepers in producer countries often live in remote areas. This limits their potential buyers and adds expense to their transportation costs. They also face challenges accessing knowledge of seasonal and regional honey prices, weakening their negotiating power. That means they can get low prices for their honey.
Current challenges
The plight of bees is very much in the spotlight as fewer pollinators could have dire effects for our food systems. The sector faces a number of challenges.
- Climate change. Unpredictable and extreme weather patterns are challenging beekeepers and their honeybees when it comes to harvesting and breeding cycles. Fluctuating temperatures can reduce bee populations and honey yields.
- Accessing export markets. Strict health and quality requirements can be a barrier to rural beekeepers who don’t have the information or equipment to comply.
How Fairtrade makes a difference
There are a number of ways Fairtrade farmers can confront the challenges they face to grow their businesses.
- The Fairtrade Minimum Price. This aims to cover the average costs of beekeepers to sustainably produce their honey. It acts as a safety net when market prices drop.
- The Fairtrade Premium. This extra sum of money is paid on top of the selling price and is for beekeepers to invest in projects they choose together. Many beekeepers have used the Premium to convert to organic cultivation.
- Environmental protection. Many Fairtrade beekeepers are also farmers, the bees pollinating their crops. Fairtrade works with beekeepers to nurture an environment in which bees can flourish.