COSTA RICA NEWS – According to beekeepers, climate change, a possible new pest already present in Nicaragua and unfair competition are the factors affecting the sector’s performance.
In 2013 a 7.8% increase was reported in the number of kilos produced compared to the year 2012. However, industry members say that for the next harvest they expect a decline in production levels due to the negative effects of climate change and other factors.
Carlos Zamora, executive director of the National Chamber of Development of Beekeeping, told Elfinancierocr.com that “… Since last year, beekeepers have been feeling the effects of climate change on their productions. For example, trees are blooming but because of stress caused by sudden changes in temperature they are not managing to secrete nectar. Similarly not blooming adequately, which has caused some producers to decide to move to areas where the impact of climate is less. ”
“… Another rival to face is the latent danger of the emergence of a plague that has already affected some Nicaraguans hives. This is a beetle that destroys the hives in order to lay its eggs. At birth the larvae feed on honey and pollen. The plague could arrive at any time. Therefore we must carry out inspections nest by nest. ”
Source: elfinancierocr.com
