According to the Polish Chamber of Honey, weather conditions are extremely unfavorable for pollinators.
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Lack of rainfall inhibits the development of nectar-producing plants, and rapeseed – crucial for spring benefits – produces much less nectar. The problem is not only drought, but also violent weather phenomena.
Nature resists the bees
The Chamber's experts point out that strong winds make it difficult for bees to fly and safely return to their hives. In turn, morning frosts damaged the flowers, resulting in less pollen available. The situation is aggravated by structural factors: the progressive monoculture of crops, the disappearance of field borders and wild meadows, as well as the fight against diseases such as varroa.
— The weather directly affects the flowering periods of plants, and thus the availability of food for bees. A shorter growing season and frequent extreme events, such as droughts or frosts, significantly reduce honey harvests. The state of the environment is also important. Decreasing biodiversity, crop monocultures and excessive use of plant protection products limit the number of melliferous plants and worsen the health of bees – explains Przemysław Rujna, secretary of the Polish Chamber of Honey.
Efficiency below the European average
Although interest in beekeeping in Poland is growing – the number of bee families has increased by 85% in the last decade. to 3 million, and the number of beekeepers to 98 thousand. — it is the efficiency of apiaries that remains a challenge. The average yield from one hive in Poland is only 11.6 kg. For comparison, in Germany it is approximately 34 kg and in France 18 kg.
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In 2024, honey production in Poland amounted to 30.5 thousand. tons, maintaining the level from the previous year. However, Poland remains an important player on the EU market, exporting 12.3 thousand. tons of product, mainly to Germany (3.2 thousand tons), Italy, Spain and France.
Import necessary to stabilize the market
Due to limited domestic supply, Poland has to rely on imports. Last year, most honey was imported from China (12.1 thousand tons) and Ukraine (8.2 thousand tons).. As experts emphasize, foreign raw material is necessary to ensure continuity of sales in difficult seasons.
“Honey from China, Ukraine or South America complements domestic production, especially in years such as the current season with low harvests. It enables maintaining continuity of supplies, stabilizing prices and expanding the offer with exotic varieties that are not produced in Poland,” says Rujna.
In the face of unpredictable weather, the industry is preparing for moderate or below-average harvests, placing increasing emphasis on improving the health of apiaries and combating unfavorable changes in the environment.
