Honey production increases in Lebanon and needs to be protected

Honey industry developing in Lebanon but needs protection
Al Mustaqbal newspaper published a report on the beekeeping and honey production sector in Lebanon. According to the united association of beekeepers’ cooperatives Suhail Qudmani, this sector is gaining importance and increasing considerably.  He added that beekeepers are abreast of global developments despite their limited resources.  He also expressed the fact that beekeepers trust the decision of the current Minister of Agriculture which gives due consideration to this sector and is seeking to expand and protect it.  Qudmani also noted the importance of taking care of this sector as well as find scientific solutions for the problems it is facing because it is linked to all other forms of agriculture and is thus crucial for food security for humanity at large.
The head of the united association of beekeepers’ cooperatives in Beqaa, and the head of beekeepers’ cooperative in Qar3un Elie Abu Fares noted for his part that the environment for beekeeping was pure a few years ago but is now witnessing negative changes as a result of overuse of poisonous pesticides as well as increasing pollution.  He expressed his regrets for this situation as Lebanese honey production is as good and as high in quality as foreign production but is of limited quantity.  Abu Fares warned against chaotic import of foreign honey.  He said that there is no problem with regulated and controlled imports.  The issue is with illicit imports as well as with the Arab trade agreement which allows honey to come in tax free. Beekeeper Reshrash Naji from Rashayya noted that beekeeping is doing well and is a source of livelihood for tens of families despite the fact that it decreased in a number of areas in Lebanon.  However, according to him, Rashayya honey is high in demand as it is still preserving its high quality given that the environment in pollution and pesticide free and given that agriculture in the area is arable and the sources of water are clean.
Source: Al-Mustaqbal 14 December 2014