The Regional Director for Agriculture, José Élio Ventura, stated that more than 100 tonnes of honey are annually produced in the Azores, generating revenue of about one million Euros with the sale of honey, wax and royal jelly, among other products.
 
"The figures speak for themselves and evidence the economic importance of beekeeping in the Region, a sector with room to grow in the archipelago," stated José Élio Ventura. The government official spoke at the opening session of the Beekeeping Initiation Course, an initiative organised by Terceira Agricultural Association.
 
José Élio Ventura stressed that beekeeping also plays a very important role for the entire agricultural sector, considering that bees are natural pollinators, which enhances the profitability of agricultural production. They also pollinate other plants, thus ensuring their preservation while contributing to the balance of ecosystems and the maintenance of biodiversity.
 
The Regional Director highlighted the fact that beekeeping in the Azores has seen a very significant evolution over the last decade as evidenced by the growth in the number of beekeepers and apiaries, which more than doubled, and the 60% increase of bee colonies.
 
Currently, there are 450 beekeepers, 900 apiaries and 7500 colonies in the Region; the islands of São Miguel, Pico and Terceira account for more than 70% of beekeepers registered in the Region.
 
"Beekeeping is an activity carried out with great dedication and often begins a free time occupation, becoming a complementary source of income to other activities, whether agricultural or nor," considered José Élio Ventura.
 
Regarding the new training that is about to start on Terceira Island, José Élio Ventura stated that it is already in its eight edition, being attended by more than 150 participants. It has greatly contributed to attracting new beekeepers and qualifying those who are already in the sector.
 
"The beekeeping section of Terceira Agricultural Association has developed an absolutely innovative work. It currently has 46 members, who represent more than 86 apiaries and are responsible for the production of more than three tonnes of honey," said the Regional Director for Agriculture. On the occasion, he praised the work carried out by the association in this sector, namely in the operation of the honey processing plant and the marketing of honey produced by its members.
 
José Élio Ventura also pointed out the importance of a Strategic Plan for Beekeeping in the Region, already presented in several public sessions, being a crucial document to promote and develop this sector in the Azores over the next decade.