With the global honey market size expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 5.2% from 2022 to 2030, expanding Guyana’s honey industry will be high on the government’s agriculture development agenda for 2023.
Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, while speaking on honey production for 2022 noted that the Ministry of Agriculture through the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has been working to develop the industry, especially in the hinterland communities.
A Ministry of Agriculture press release on Thursday reported that despite somewhat unfavourable weather conditions in 2022, Guyana was able to maintain its honey production levels.
“Although we experienced a lot of rain last year which is known to have an impact on how bees are able to maneuver thus ultimately affecting honey production, we were able to maintain our overall honey production level, having produced over 3,700 gallons of honey in 2022. There was no decline. This is partly due to the fact that there were more hives and apiculturists working last year. More people have expressed an interest in becoming apiculturists and we’ve been able to assist them with training. Last year, the GLDA was tasked with developing a comprehensive plan for the industry and has commenced working with new and existing beekeepers so that they can either establish or expand their operations. This will continue in 2023,” the minister said.
