Boost for beekeepers

Betty Henderson

SPAIN’S Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, announced on Monday, March 20 that the country will request aid from the European Union to support the struggling beekeeping industry. The ministry also put its support behind measures to address issues facing the wine industry due to problems with distilleries.

According to Planas, the Spanish beekeeping industry is in a difficult situation due to high imports of honey from third party countries, particularly China and Ukraine, which have reduced due to geopolitical issues.

Spain will request aid from Brussels for the industry and will also push for country ­ of ­ origin la ­ belling for honey, a topic that was previously discussed by EU countries in January, and which could promote the industry in foreign markets.

The Minister spoke about French plans to reduce surplus wine in the market. If the European Commission agrees to the French plan, Spanish ministers will also support it.

Planas will also pressure Europe to take ac ­ tion to address the tariffs imposed by the United States on some varieties of Spanish olives.