“Bees are essentially the farmers of the sky. They do not use tractors or ploughs, yet their work ensures that nearly 75% of our food crops bear fruit.”
By Nico van Burick, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
These were the words of Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, speaking at the Beekeeping Awareness Field Day at Oude Raapkraal, Westlake, Cape Town earlier this month.
Steenhuisen explained that through pollination of crops such as almond orchards in the Western Cape, citrus in Limpopo, macadamias in Mpumalanga and sunflowers in the Free State, honeybee colonies contribute more than R10 billion to agriculture every year.
“Without them, supermarket shelves would be emptier, prices higher and farming communities poorer.
“For our smallholder farmers, pollination shortfalls translate into lower incomes and greater vulnerability.
“The concept is simple: no bees, no food. No pollination, no prosperity.”
Also read: Bees add billions to South Africa’s crop value
A Priority Sector for Growth
The event, held on Monday, 10 November, and led by the South African Bee Industry Organisation (SABIO), highlighted that bees are recognised as a key species in agriculture because of their contribution to food security, income generation and economic development. The sector also supports job creation directly and indirectly – from beekeepers to farm workers involved with pollinated crops.
Steenhuisen noted that beekeeping is a priority sector for the department as it drives goals such as increased agricultural production, improved food and nutrition security, better market access, and enhanced biosecurity and effective disaster risk reduction.
Local Supply Falls Short
He also emphasised the value of honey as one of the most precious natural products on earth. South Africa produces up to 2 500 tonnes of honey per year, yet consumes nearly twice that amount. We therefore rely heavily on imports of natural honey – about 80% of which comes from China, with additional imports from Zambia, India, Poland and Yemen.
Steenhuisen warned that, due to high demand, there has been a rise in poor-quality or adulterated honey products. He announced that the Department of Agriculture’s Directorate: Inspection Services would conduct another operation in December to remove such products from store shelves.
Also read: Building a sustainable future for bees, beekeepers and biodiversity
Call for Responsible Chemical Use
Pesticides pose a major threat to bee populations, and irresponsible use can kill thousands of bees overnight, he said. The department therefore wants to promote integrated pest management, better communication between farmers and beekeepers, responsible pesticide use and less-toxic alternatives.
Also read and watch:
‘My first bee farming experience was a disaster’ – Boitumelo Tau
Healing through honey: Lulu Letlape, SA’s beekeeping powerhouse
