Development of apiculture could create jobs, John Whelan tells Seanad

Labour Senator John Whelan has called for the development of apiculture to create jobs.

He said it was astounding that Ireland, renowned for its agrifood sector, as well as its food production and exports, imported 90 per cent of the honey consumed.

“We could turn it around to be a fantastic win for honey production, beekeepers and for employment in rural Ireland in this niche sector.”

Mr Whelan said an all-Ireland approach was needed. “Bees by their nature do not respect, regard or identify with borders,’’ he added. “They do not fly over large expanses of water either, which is an advantage in our case.’’

Native bee

He said the country’s 3,000 beekeepers, represented by the Federation of Irish Beekeepers Associations, were particularly concerned about the prospects for the native Irish honey bee and the manner in which the sector was managed.

"While apiculture is a niche sector within our food production and agriculture industries, it beggars belief there is no reference whatsoever to it in the Harvest 2020 document drawn up by the Government to set out our objectives and ambitions with regard to food production in this country."

Mr Whelan said the long-established Dunamaise Beekeepers Association, based in Stradbally, Co Laois, had passed down the tradition of beekeeping within families and communities through the years.

Many of its members had produced and harvested honey of such world-beating quality that they had won medals and cups on the world stage for their produce, he added.

Minister of State Joe McHugh said the Department of Agriculture intended engaging with the Irish beekeeping associations shortly with a view to preparing plans for submission to the European Commission in early next year. These would seek co-funding for a new three-year apiculture programme.