Union head: Iran ranks 3rd in global honey production
The head of the National Union of Iranian Beekeepers stated that the country, with an annual production of 122,000 tons of honey from over 92,000 beekeeping units, is the world’s third-largest honey producer.
Mir-Mohsen Mousavian, speaking on Saturday about the state of the apiculture industry, added that according to the latest statistics from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global honey production stands at 2.15 million tons annually, produced by over 91 million bee colonies, noting that Iran ranks third in honey production after China and Turkey and fourth in the number of bee colonies.
Mousavian noted that according to the latest statistics, results in 2024, the country’s honey output reached approximately 127,700 tons, marking a 5.63% increase compared to 2023 (121,000 tons).
He further highlighted that, in addition to honey, Iran produces around 11 tons of royal jelly, 862 tons of bee pollen, 211 tons of propolis, over 2,600 tons of beeswax, and 9.6 kilograms of bee venom. Mousavian emphasized that the recent census counted 92,122 beekeeping units in the country, housing 10.8 million bee colonies, of which 10.5 million are in modern hives and 300,000 in traditional hives. He also mentioned that honey production in 2024 exceeded the projected 122,000 tons by about 4.7%. The highest honey production in the country is concentrated in the provinces of West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan, Fars, Kurdestan, Isfahan, and Mazandaran.
Mousavian stated that over the past four years, some beekeeping units in the country had experienced bee and larva mortality, which is attributed by some to infected queen bees and a lack of effective medications to combat such diseases. Mousavian criticized that Iran Veterinary Organization had discontinued monitoring and surveillance of bees in recent years due to a lack of manpower and budget, which has seriously impacted the beekeeping industry. The issue of larva mortality persists, and its cause remains unidentified.
He also mentioned that in the Iranian calendar year of 1400 (2021), the Parliament approved a 10% value-added tax (VAT) on honey, royal jelly, and other bee products, which has led to a decline in honey sales due to reduced purchasing power.
Mousavian argued that, according to the law, raw agricultural products are exempt from VAT, as seen with meat and raw milk, but honey is subject to VAT.
He expressed hope that the current administration would repeal this decision to support beekeepers and include honey in the VAT exemption for agricultural products.
Sugar consumption inevitable
Mousavian stressed that sugar consumption for beekeeping during winter is essential for colony survival, stimulating the queen to begin laying eggs, and enhancing bees’ ability to store honey. He clarified that this practice is unrelated to producing honey with sugar.
The union head added that sugar, as a key input in beekeeping, should be made available to beekeepers at reasonable prices.
Beekeepers in need of credits
Mousavian stated that no financial credits had been provided to beekeepers in the past decade, despite the industry requiring support. He noted that neighboring countries like Turkey, Afghanistan and Iraq provide subsidies and support to their beekeepers. He described bee pollination as vital for agriculture and highlighted that many countries with apiculture industries subsidize beekeepers for pollination services.
Mousavian also called for the implementation of beekeeper insurance, which has been stalled for the past three years due to budget deficits, causing concerns among apiarists.
Lags in honey exports
Mousavian acknowledged that despite Iran’s honey production capacity and potential for increased forex earnings, the country has made little progress in honey exports.
He emphasized that Iran has the potential to boost production and expand exports of honey, royal jelly, bee pollen, propolis, beeswax, and bee venom to increase hard currency revenues.
However, last year (ended March 19, 2024), only about 4,600 tons of honey were exported to target countries, which a negligible figure.