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According to Georgian honey producers and beekeepers, through state cooperation, the beekeeping sector is actively developing in the country
The First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. George Khanishvili attended a meeting of the Georgian Beekeepers' Union, where Georgian honey producers and beekeepers summed up the results of the three-year work.Mr. Khanishvil emphasized, that current challenges have been tackled through measures taken by the state in the beekeeping sector over the last three years.
"Important steps have been taken, namely, strengthening laboratory capacity, raising awareness for Georgian honey, as well as opening of new export markets. If five years ago laboratory tests of honey products were conducted abroad, currently, testing is already available in Georgia, which will be reflected in the reduction of costs and will improve efficiency in the respective area" - said Mr. Khanishvili.
In the course of the meeting, Georgian honey producers highlighted current situation and challenges facing the beekeeping sector. The participants pointed out, that effective cooperation with the state led to the quality improvement in Georgian honey products in the last three years, which resulted into the growth of exports in the EU countries. The laboratory studies were conducted in 2020, which showed, that only 6% of honey samples were found to violate the food safety standards (prohibited chemical residues, contaminants), while studies showed 56% in 2018.
Important steps have been taken in raising awareness among beekeepers. 2135 beekeepers were trained across the country through joint cooperation with the Georgian Beekeepers' Union and the Rural Development Agency.
It is noteworthy, that Georgian honey was presented at the important international exhibitions -Apimondia in Canada in 2019 and International Honey Awards held in London in 2021.
The Georgian Beekeepers' Union was established in 2018 and brings together 9 associations and 12 companies, which represent the interests of 5,500 beekeepers (including 548 female beekeepers).