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Spain is the honeycomb of the European Union

4th April 2022
Spain is the honeycomb of the European Union

MURCIA – The climate in Spain is favorable for the apicultura, the keeping of bees for their honey (miel). In addition, the Apis Mellifera Iberiensis or the Spanish honey bee is a species that beekeepers like to work with. A brief overview of a particularly important Spanish activity.

On a European level, you could call Spain the honeycomb of Europe. It is in fact the main producer of honey in the entire European Union. In total, 16% of all European beecombs are in Spain, accounting for about 2.86 million installations. For comparison; France ranks second with 10.4% of production and Italy third with 8.4%.

Moreover, in Spain 80% of all bee colonies are owned by professional beekeepers. A figure that is far above the European average of 40%. Throughout the country, beekeeping is thus clearly an important part of ganaderia (livestock breeding), because indeed, a beekeeper is also considered a ganadero (livestock farmer) in Spain. Most of the beekeepers can be found in Extremadura (58%), followed by Andalusia (33%) and Murcia (31%).

In terms of production, the latest figures date from 2018. In that year no less than 31,018 tons of honey and 1,667 tons of beeswax were produced. The balance between beekeeper and bee is complex and fragile. Modern bees have a number of important enemies, the most important of which is the so-called Varroa mite. The mite is an external parasite that bites into the body of the bee and feeds on a number of fats from the insect. If an invasion is left untreated, the entire colony often perishes.

And another fun fact: the average Spaniard consumes 0.9 kilograms of honey every year. In other words, two sturdy jars. Maybe worth a try, a local honey near you?

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