Beekeeping activity faces challenges in different regions of Rio Grande do Sul

According to the Economic Information released this Thursday (25/04) by Emater/RS-Ascar, linked to the State Secretariat for Rural Development (SDR), several challenges are being faced by beekeepers in different regions of Rio Grande do Sul.

In the administrative region of Emater/RS-Ascar de Bagé, apiaries installed close to commercial eucalyptus plantations or native forest and grassland formations in bloom are in full activity collecting nectar and pollen. In Caxias do Sul, the absence of rain has favored the work of bees, however, the low availability of flowers has resulted in a reduction in nectar entry into the hives and in the laying of queens.

In Erechim, even with the variation in climatic conditions, beekeeping activity was reasonable, however, with a limited supply of nectar and pollen. In Ijuí, the honey harvest is coming to an end, with few hives left with the possibility of collection before winter. However, the moisture content of the honey is still high in the fully sealed frames, making harvesting and preserving the product difficult.

In Lajeado, many producers have honey stockpiled due to low demand in the market, while some are anticipating a possible increase in prices due to the scarcity of the harvest. In the Passo Fundo region, expectations of low honey production persist.

In the Pelotas region, the harvest period continues, however, in Canguçu, marketing is at a standstill and prices are low. In Cerrito, the harvest is practically over, and productivity is below 5 kg of honey per hive.

In Jaguarão, there was an improvement in the supply of bee pasture, with the honey harvest in progress. In Pinheiro Machado, some beekeepers also started harvesting.

In the Porto Alegre region, rain and winds damaged the conditions of apiaries, reducing the availability of flowers, and the recovery of hives was limited. In Santa Rosa, the latest review of apiaries for honey is being carried out, however, the low productivity of this harvest due to frequent rains and short flowering periods has caused a shortage of honey, keeping prices low for bulk sales.

Finally, in the Soledade region, rainy and humid weather hampered the collection of pollen and nectar by bees, resulting in delays in the production of honey by the swarms.