Not all hives are full: beekeeper predicts honey shortage

The Lithuanian beekeeping season has begun, with some apiarists already harvesting their second batch of honey. However, the success is not uniform across the country, as some beekeepers report full honeycombs while others are struggling with significantly reduced yields.

Beekeeper Židrūnas Japertas expressed satisfaction with his first harvest of field, meadow, and forest honey, and is now collecting buckwheat honey, which he describes as unique and beneficial for allergy sufferers. He noted that while the spring weather was initially concerning, the bees quickly became active once temperatures rose, filling the combs. "The bees worked well, the combs are full or half-capped," he said, indicating a substantial harvest.

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Now I am harvesting buckwheat honey, and it is so unique. It is suitable for allergic people, it restores blood pressure, it is very beneficial.

In contrast, Vytautas Marcinkevičius, a beekeeper from the Šiauliai region, reported disappointing results. "The weather has been very unfavorable for the bees; it was dry at first, which was okay for them, but now it has cooled down, with winds and rain, and only a third of the honey that we had in good years remains – about 30 percent," he stated. He added that last year's harvest was also low, and if this year's yield doesn't improve, honey could become scarce by late summer.

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The weather has been very unfavorable for the bees; it was dry at first, which was okay for them, but now it has cooled down, with winds and rain, and only a third of the honey that we had in good years remains – about 30 percent.

Marcinkevičius attributes the difference in harvest to the location of the apiaries. While he relies on forests and meadows, which have yielded less due to the weather, he noted that beekeepers focusing on rapeseed had good harvests. Japertas, who is the sole beekeeper in his area, believes his success is due to ample foraging opportunities in the surrounding fields and forests.

Regardless of the quantity, both beekeepers have raised their honey prices by one euro per kilogram, with a kilogram now costing 8 euros, up from 7 euros last year. They justify the increase by the significant labor involved in beekeeping. "You have to inspect every frame, put in the plates, transport them, come back, and prepare them again. A beekeeper truly puts in a lot of work and sweat," Japertas explained. Marcinkevičius added that while prices vary on social media, he believes 8 euros is a minimum to reflect the work involved.

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You have to inspect every frame, put in the plates, transport them, come back, and prepare them again. A beekeeper truly puts in a lot of work and sweat.