New group of beekeepers get ECO certificate for honey in Moldova

Chisinau, 6 October /MOLDPRES/ - A group of six beekeepers from various regions of Moldova, coordinated by a honey exporting company, has been certified for the production of ecological honey. This proves that the beekeepers have successfully passed the two-year conversion period and that they observe the European Union’s requirements of honey’s ecological production.   

The ecological certification of the group of beekeepers was backed by the High Value Agricultural Activity in Moldova project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the company Regina Naturii (Nature’s Queen). The inspection of bee gardens was carried out by an organization of international control, recognized by the European Commission. The Nature’s Queen company on the next period is set to increase the number of beekeepers in the group to 50 and extend the list of ECO certified apicultural products.    

„The ever higher demand for the certified ecological products turns this sector of agriculture into a promising one for Moldova and USAID supports the efforts of beekeepers and processors in this transition,’’ the head of the USAID Mission in Moldova, Scott Hocklander, said.  

Presently, more than 7,500 bee gardens are registered in Moldova. About 15 per cent of all honey produced in Moldova is consumed locally and 85 per cent is exported. Moldova exports honey mainly to the European Union, especially to Romania, Italy, France, Germany, Spain. One year ago, 11 beekeepers, with the support of USAID HVAA project, in partnership with the Apicola-Lux CC company, ecologically certified the honey production process.        

Photo: USAID