While noting the crucial role that the apiculture sub-sector plays in catering for the nutritional needs of consumers – the Ministry of Agriculture has pledged to support farmers involved in the industry.
The ministry is cognizant of the importance of bees in honey production, and within the wider region for its ‘authencity’ to sustain food security. Factors impacting the sustenance of the industry, includes Climate Change, habitat loss, invasive plants and fragmentation.
In recent times, the supply of honey to consumers has been an issue of concern. The production of natural honey is regarded as good for health and has beauty benefits, as opposed to the production of artificial honey which does not have these qualities.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Barrymore Felicien noted the critical role that bees and other pollinators play in the eco-system. He is also wary of the hazards posed by climate change.
“Beyond the impressive displays and competition, we must recognize the critical role that bees play in our food production system,” he said, while addressing participants at the 3rd Hewanorra National Honey Show, in Castries, recently.
“Pollination services provided by these incredible creatures are integral to the production of food systems and a vast array of crops, ensuring food security for our growing population,” he added.
“As we confront the challenges of climate change and bio-diversity loss, bees emerge as a crucial part of the solution contributing to ecological balance and sustainability,” he said.
Representative from the Intra American Institute for Cooperation and Agriculture (IICA) in Saint Lucia and the Eastern Caribbean States, Gregg Rawlins underscored the threats that the bee-keeping industry has been facing.
He reiterated that the bee keeping industry has been facing threats and that all the OECS member states “will continue to do what they can to address those threats, whether it be threats of pests and diseases, environmental challenges and even the threat associated with trade and fraught food fraud and fake honey and adulterated honey”.
The IICA official continued, “We need to ensure that we protect our industries from the importation and distribution of fake products.”
GEF- SDP-UNDP Saint Lucian coordinator Giles Romulus, acknowledged the importance of research towards improving the sector. He hinted at the prospects of a presentation to government on a future upcoming project to be undertaken in Saint Lucia.
“Research and innovation are critical to what we do now and into the future,” he stressed. “If we do not research and we do not innovate we will stand still and eventually fall, and others will bypass us. That is why, the Macrotic Research and Learning Institute is our next big dream.”
Added Romulus: “It is going to become a Centre of Excellence and Research in apiculture, esteemed in mangroves and coral reefs, in gastronomy, in api-tourism, and api-therapy.”