Beekeeping sector growing in the Azores, highlights António Ventura - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação

The beekeeping sector in the Autonomous Region of the Azores has experienced significant growth in recent years. Over the past five years, the number of beekeepers has increased by approximately 7%, reaching a total of 462, while the number of bee colonies has risen by about 4%, totalling 8,053 colonies.

According to the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, "the beekeeping sector in the Azores is developing and all the honey produced always finds a market."

"We have the only honey in the world produced from pittosporum blossoms," stressed the government official. 

He continued: "The existence of a dialogue between the various associations in the sector, the Azores Agricultural Federation and the Regional Government has led to progress and adjustments in public policies for beekeeping."

There have been several regional incentives for honey production in the Azores, such as the inclusion of beekeeping in the "Agroacrescenta" programme, with support of up to 50%, increased by 5% for young farmers, the allocation of a supplement of 30 Euros per hive in production, and support for beekeepers in the agricultural diesel supply system since 2024.

With a view to better adapting the legislation in force to the needs of beekeeping, the first amendment was introduced to the Regional Legislative Decree No. 24/2007/A of November 7, which establishes the legal framework for beekeeping as well as the production, processing and marketing of honey in the Region (Regional legislative Decree No. 17/2022/A).

Additionally, forestry services across all islands have been distributing melliferous plants to municipal councils and planting them in public areas.

Regarding wax sterilisation, two new wax moulding machines were purchased this year for the Agrarian Development Services of São Miguel and Terceira, an investment of 60 thousand Euros that will reduce the human resources required and increase wax quality.

Last year, a machine for laminating drone wax was also purchased for the São Miguel Agrarian Development Service.   

Meanwhile, a genetic study of Azorean bees is underway with a view to identifying a native breed.

As far as training is concerned, training courses were held in Terceira and São Miguel, focusing on active surveillance and control of the Asian hornet. In 2023, the Bio Forum promoted the Friendly Bee project on several islands, starting in 2022, and Beekeeping was included in the Farmer Training and Promotion of Literacy in Sustainable Production and Consumption Programme as part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), with the implementation of several training initiatives.