Guyana’s honey industry is buzzing with success, having hit another record production totalling approximately 18,000 gallons last month. The country is now poised to increase exports as it targets new customers in Barbados and other regional territories.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha made the foregoing disclosure during the country’s first-ever Honey Fest, held over the weekend at the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) in Mon Repos. The minister highlighted the remarkable increase in production, from just 2,000 gallons in 2023 to 18,000 gallons this year, attributing this growth to renewed interest in apiculture and strategic investments.
“We are seeing incredible results in honey production, and I am optimistic that by the end of the year, we will surpass the 18,000-gallon mark,” Minister Mustapha said. He also emphasized that these efforts align with creating economic benefits for local communities while maintaining high production standards.
Last year, the government invested over $200 million in the apiculture industry, distributing more than 5,000 hives to prospective honey producers across the country. Additionally, collaboration with apiculture specialists from Cuba has bolstered local capabilities, with training programs in bee rearing and honey production benefiting participants nationwide.
Guyana’s diverse ecosystems, including mangroves and forested areas, provide an ideal environment for producing a variety of honey types. This natural advantage positions the country to not only meet local demand but also cater to international markets.
Honey exports are already making an impact, with shipments planned for Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, and other countries. The upcoming expansion of exports to Barbados underscores Guyana’s ability to meet international standards and tap into lucrative regional markets.
Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj, emphasized the importance of honey production in supporting food security and achieving CARICOM’s goal of reducing food imports by 25% by 2025. “Honey bees play a critical role in our ecosystem, not just in producing honey but in supporting agricultural systems and ensuring crop abundance,” Ramraj said.
The expansion of honey production in hinterland and riverine communities is closely tied to Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). This approach not only supports responsible resource management but also fosters economic empowerment in rural areas. With approximately nine percent of locally produced honey consumed domestically, the focus on export markets offers significant opportunities for growth.
As the industry continues to flourish, Guyana is positioned to become a leading honey producer in the region, contributing to both economic development and regional food security. The government’s commitment to the sector signals a bright future for honey producers and exporters alike.
