Guyana eyes 30,000 gallons of honey in 2025

…as second annual Honey Fest showcases local apiculture industry

Guyana’s honey industry continues to soar, with national production expected to surpass 30,000 gallons in 2025.
This grand target was announced by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Friday during the second annual Honey Fest, hosted by the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) at its Mon Repos headquarters.
The event, themed “Buzz Forward – Sweet Innovations for a Safe and Sustainable Future”, with a sub-theme “Transforming Livelihoods through Agri-Food Systems”, brought together beekeepers, agro-processors, honey producers, and other stakeholders to highlight growth, innovation, and value-addition within the apiculture industry.

According to the agriculture Minister, “Beekeeping is more than just collecting honey. It is a vital part of our ecosystem. Honeybees are silent heroes, contributing exponentially to the pollination of the crops that form the very foundation of our national food security.”
“We see beekeeping not just as a traditional craft but as a modern, high-potential agribusiness,” the Minister stated. “Honey production increased from 2128 gallons in 2023 to 27,601 gallons at the end of 2024. In 2025, we are projected to produce over 30,000 gallons.”
Minister Mustapha described the rapid production climb as a direct result of Government investment in modern agriculture systems, training and expanded hive capacity.

He said the Government remains focused on enabling self-sufficiency while positioning Guyana as a regional honey exporter by 2030.
Mustapha noted that the GLDA is actively working to expand hive numbers to over 5000 while rolling out technical support programmes to raise productivity and improve honey quality.
“The GLDA has been leading the charge in providing training on modern techniques, disease control, and improved hive management,” he explained. “We are building capacity to ensure increased yields and efficiency while promoting value addition.”
The Minister also pointed to emerging opportunities for products such as beeswax, royal jelly, propolis, and speciality honey flavours derived from Guyana’s rich natural flora.
As Guyana prepares for export markets, Mustapha underscored the importance of strengthening regulatory systems.
“If we are serious about exporting Guyanese honey, we must guarantee its quality,” he said. “The Guyana Food Safety Authority has strengthened our food safety framework to ensure that our honey meets national and international standards.”

Efforts are also being intensified to ensure proper labelling, packaging and handling protocols, and to help local beekeepers formalise operations.
Minister Mustapha highlighted steady growth in the number of persons entering the apiculture field.
The number of registered beekeepers rose from 160 in 2024 to 213 in 2025, representing a 33 per cent increase.
The Honey Fest featured local honey products, live demonstrations, exhibitions, and discussions on sustainability and innovation within the industry. Stakeholders praised the Government’s continued push toward agricultural diversification and food security.
The initiative is part of Guyana’s broader agenda to strengthen non-traditional agriculture sectors, create employment opportunities, and ensure long-term food sustainability.
As the industry continues to expand, the Government says it remains committed to supporting beekeepers, building capacity, and establishing Guyana as a key honey producer in the Caribbean.