Beekeepers call for greater honey awareness as industry records growth

…every beekeeper to receive 10 beehive boxes as Govt boosts apiculture support

Beekeepers and honey producers have called for greater public education on the difference between genuine and imitation honey, as exhibitors showcased their products and shared their experiences at Honey Fest 2026, held Friday, October 30 on the lawns of the Agriculture Ministry.

The exhibitors, representing different backgrounds and stages of involvement in the industry, highlighted the opportunities available in beekeeping, while pointing to challenges such as weather conditions, misconceptions about bees and threats to their hives.
One exhibitor, Akeisha, originally from Barbados, but now residing in Guyana, said her business: Miss Queen Bee, was established after she recognised an opportunity to enter an industry largely dominated by men.
She explained that she subsequently encouraged other women to become involved in beekeeping, providing them with opportunities to learn about the practice, and develop their skills.
The business has been operating for approximately five years, and this is its second year participating in Honey Fest. Akeisha said she was hoping to receive an award in the ‘Best bee by-products’ category.
She noted that educating people about bees was important in changing perceptions about the insects, explaining that understanding their behaviour could help people appreciate their role rather than regard them as enemies.
According to her, honey production is seasonal, with bees collecting and producing natural honey during particular periods.
She also pointed to the misconception surrounding genuine and imitation honey, stressing the need for consumers to become more knowledgeable about what they purchase.
Akeisha encouraged more women to consider entering the industry, describing beekeeping as a profitable venture with opportunities for expansion.
Another exhibitor, Kemraj Seeram, said his decision to venture into honey production was influenced by his growing awareness of healthy eating and the effects of refined sugar on health.
His business has been operating for six years, during which he has developed an appreciation for beekeeping.
Seeram identified duka honey, which he said comes from the highway, as his favourite variety. He admitted that he had not necessarily overcome his initial fears of bees, but had developed a love for the work through experience.

Unpredictable weather
Among the challenges he identified were unpredictable weather conditions and instances where people attempt to burn down beehives.
Meanwhile, Romel, of Glasgow, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), said his interest in beekeeping began at a young age when he developed a habit of capturing bees.
He formally entered the honey business in 2016 and has since established himself as a beekeeper in the region.
Romel said his fear of bees diminished through experience, although he acknowledged that the work carries risks. He believes the industry offers sufficient opportunities for individuals to earn a living.
The experiences shared by the exhibitors come as the Government continues efforts to expand Guyana’s apiculture industry and increase production.

Beehive boxes
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, during his feature address at the festival, announced that every beekeeper in Guyana will receive 10 beehive boxes under the Government’s ongoing initiative to strengthen honey production.
With approximately 280 beekeepers recorded across the country, the initiative is intended to provide producers with additional resources to expand their operations, increase output and improve their earning potential.
Held under the theme “Next Generation Hives: Growing Guyana Through Green Apiculture,” Honey Fest 2026 provided a platform for producers to display honey and honey-based products, while highlighting opportunities in value-added processing and sustainable business development.
Mustapha said the festival had evolved beyond an exhibition, into a platform for showcasing an industry that supports employment, income generation and entrepreneurship, particularly among young people and women.
He pointed to the results of the National Honey Expansion Programme, through which the Ministry of Agriculture has been providing training, extension services, modern equipment, queen-rearing facilities and support for improved honey extraction, processing and handling.
These interventions have contributed to an increase in national honey production from 3,745 gallons in 2022 to 38,574 gallons in 2025. Production in 2025 represented a 53 per cent increase over the previous year.
The Minister said the expansion of apiculture formed part of the Government’s wider agricultural diversification and food security agenda, creating opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises while encouraging greater participation in agriculture.
He also highlighted the potential for growth beyond honey production, including agro-processing, packaging, branding and access to regional and international markets.
In addition to its economic benefits, Mustapha underscored the importance of bees in pollination, biodiversity conservation and agricultural productivity, noting that sustainable beekeeping contributes to environmental protection and food security.
The festival also provided opportunities for participants to engage agencies offering technical assistance and business support in processing, packaging, branding and marketing.
Meanwhile, this year’s Honey Competition and Awards will recognise achievements across 10 categories, including Best Innovative Product, Best Commercial Presentation, Best Presentation of Chunk Combs, Darkest Honey, Lightest Honey and Best Honey.
Other awards will recognise the beekeeper with the highest annual output, the Most Influential Beekeeper, New Entrant with Excellent and Persistent Performance, and the Youngest Beekeeper.
Youth participation will also feature through an Inter-School Cooking Competition organised by the Guyana Livestock Development Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Participating schools are Queen’s College, St Joseph High School, Christ Church Secondary School, Buxton Practical Instruction Centre and Golden Grove Secondary School.