Pine honey

Honey production in Greece is expected to fall by up to 90% this year, according to public broadcaster ERT.

Reports indicate a 40-50% decrease in production compared to last year, with regions like Crete experiencing reductions of 80-90%.

Establishing 733 honey forests in 79 out of 81 provinces, the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry is aiming to increase this figure to 790 by the end of 2023, stating that Türkiye ranks second in the world in honey production.

The wildfires ravaging Turkey's southern and western coastal regions have caused great damage to agricultural fields, farms and apiaries, leaving the world-famous pine honey production at risk in the southern province of Muğla.

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The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on Nov. 1 announced plans to certify Turkish pine honey at the EU level, aiming to increase the efficiency, sustainability and inclusiveness of Turkey's honey sector.

Turkey registered a honey bee species after a decade-long rehabilitation effort to boost pine honey production.
Chief breeding officer at the Aegean Agricultural Research Institute Üzeyir Karaca told Anadolu Agency on Feb. 28 the breeding began in 2008 to add superior attributes to honey making.

Honeydew honey, a rare yet extremely healthy bee product, is these days the central attraction of the tenth edition of the Honey Fair that takes place in the city of Campina.

Honey varieties on display at the Campina Honey Fair
Photo credit: (c) Anamaria TOMA / AGERPRES STREAM