Overview of beekeeping in the Southern Cape.

Beekeeping represents agriculture and thus experiences the same stress that all agriculture is feeling throughout the world – world is the word I need to stress as all agriculture to day is affected by global trends.  Southern Cape beekeeping is no exception so to highlight particular issues with significance they must be placed in the general context of world trends.

Some particular issues. 

1. Beekeepers are fiercely independent and seem unwilling to work together as a unified group or pledge allegiance to an industry ethic. There is nothing new about this and some may argue it is safer to carry on in isolated islands of activity. This applies not only to SCBIA but also to SABIO.
2. Bees are particularly healthy this year and are producing good reserves of honey.
3. The importation of cheap honey has made the sale of bulk more problematic and stresses the need for us to market our fynbos Southern Cape honey as a quality product at a price it deserves.
4. Fruit farmers and seed growers are financially pinched by the stronger rand so it is imperative that beekeepers make every effort to ensure that the service they offer is as effective as possible to ensure best returns for growers.
5. Costs for beekeepers for pollination service have increased dramatically – mainly labour and diesel – yet we understand the growers problems and have recommended a minimal increase in pollination tariffs which makes it important for bekeepers and growers to co-operate so that costs can be cut wherever possible.
6. Pressures for registration of beekeepers, site registration and training of beekeepers are increasing and need to be addressed.

Some general trends

1. There is a growing value in marketing quality foods – organic, self produced, smaller outlets, are means to this end.
2. Agriculture is subsidized in many countries in order to keep the people on the lands
3. The smaller family type of farmer is a threatened species as commercial ventures become more involved in agricultural enterprises.
4. Currency fluctuations have an enormous influence on the food production chain and its profitability.
5. Imports are often cheaper than locally produced agricultural products so we have to become more efficient.  However produce, which is subsidized in other countries, should not be allowed into this country without suitable levies to ensure a fair market price.  The quality of imported products needs to be carefully monitored.

Are we wise to feel that we can go it alone when faced with all these complexities?

Contact Details:
Southern Cape Environs
Contact: Mr. John Moodie
Tel: (028) 722 1823
E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it