Beekeepers in Hesse have had a very good harvest this year. The Specialist Center for Bees and Beekeeping in Mayen announced that there were 41.4 kilograms per bee colony, 11.0 kilograms more than in the previous year’s rainy season. This value is based on two surveys on early and summer production, that is, on two harvests in a year. Nearly 1,300 beekeepers took part in the state this year. There are a total of more than 13,000 beekeepers in Hesse.
The reason for the high harvest this year is that the weather is sunny and at the same time humid enough so that the plants can grow and flower well, which means the bees find a lot of nectar. “Due to the weather, there are ideal bee collection conditions in many areas,” said head of the specialist centre, Christoph Otten.
Prices have increased slightly
According to information, the price of a 500 gram bottle of flower honey in Germany rose by around three percent to around 6.60 euros. “Given the high costs, this amount is a moderate increase,” said the head of the specialist center, Christoph Otten. Beekeepers must cover costs such as glasses, mite treatment, fuel and feed; Bees are given a type of sugar water that they eat as a substitute for honey. Honey prices vary widely; prices are higher in large cities and metropolitan areas than in rural areas. On the other hand, varietal honey is more expensive than flower honey.
Most beekeepers do this in their spare time, but there are only a few professional beekeepers. German honey is sold mainly at weekly markets, on doorsteps or at work – a recreational beekeeper brings his honey to the office and sells it to colleagues.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251122-930-325316/1
