Europe trusts “Moroccan honey”… beekeeping professionals ensure abundant production

The International Agricultural Exhibition in Meknes, which closed the curtain on its sixteenth session a few days ago, witnessed Moroccan and European celebration of the Kingdom’s inclusion among the countries whose honey production will be allowed to be exported to European markets, which imports 40 percent of its needs of this material despite being one of its most prominent producers. Globally.

The celebration, which was attended by Mohamed Seddiqi, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Forests, along with Patricia Jumbart Cossack, the European Union Ambassador to Morocco, highlighted the European aspiration to benefit from Moroccan honey productions, which are mainly supervised by local cooperatives active in providing regional products.

In light of this European confidence in “Moroccan honey,” assumptions and fears emerged about a possible shortage of this substance in the Moroccan market in the future due to the producers’ attempt to focus on export, which will leave Moroccans facing “a shortage in the supply of this substance, and thus an increase in its prices.”

To answer these concerns, Hespress spoke to professionals in the field of beekeeping and honey production, who assured her that “there is no room to raise any concerns regarding a possible shortage of honey, given that the product is currently characterized by abundance, in addition to the fact that Europe will not receive the entire production because it is subject to This is subject to conditions,” explaining that “this is an opportunity to take seriously the issue of violations occurring in production by some.”

In this regard, Abdel Karim Suhail, a honey producer and head of the “Rehamna Apiaries” cooperative, said, “The European Union opening its doors to Moroccan honey producers highlights confidence in what Moroccan honey has achieved after professional cooperatives worked hard to increase production and were accompanied by interests in doing so.” The ministry is responsible for the sector, and this is a step that represents a good omen for honey production activity in the Kingdom.”

Suhail added, in a statement to Hespress, that “this step will be in the interest of the cooperatives that are suffering somewhat in the marketing aspect, but it is not possible to raise any hypotheses related to an expected shortage of honey in the future, given that production remains abundant even though it has been affected.” “The European Union cannot receive all Moroccan honey because it is subject to a number of conditions.”

The spokesman considered that “the Moroccan market is characterized by an abundance of honey products, and most of them are characterized by quality, despite the activities of some individuals who are trying to cheat, and these people will never be allowed to export abroad,” pointing out that “this is an opportunity that does not cancel out more determination in this regard.” connection.”

The aforementioned professional stated that “the Moroccan market is abundant, especially when it has begun to receive foreign honey, especially from Spain and China, and therefore it can meet any demand in this regard,” continuing: “Our cooperative alone produced 24 tons of honey during the past year, despite “It is a lower number than previous years.”

In the same vein, Ahmed Haddam, President of the Regional Professional Federation for Beekeeping in Marrakesh-Safi, walked, refuting “speculations about any supposed future shortage of honey in the Kingdom, as the supply up to now remains superior to the demand, which is still limited by the weak purchasing power of citizens in the face of these prices.” Domain products.

Haddam pointed out, in a statement to Hespress, that “European readiness to receive Moroccan honey remains an acknowledgment of what has been achieved in this field in recent years, and an appreciation for the collective efforts in this regard made by local cooperatives for the purpose of producing significant quantities of this blessed product and marketing it at the national level.” “, highlighting that this circumstance is conducive to reprimanding the violations witnessed in this activity by some individuals.”

The head of the “Union of Bee Cooperatives” in the Essaouira province considered that “the latest European step requires intensified efforts by professionals to increase production, especially since this matter requires important financial resources and record efforts to provide production in light of the continuing drought,” noting that Moroccans do not buy There are enough honey products, and they prefer types that cost less than 300 dirhams.”