The beekeeping crisis is hitting Sicily hard: the drought is causing a drastic reduction in the herbs needed for the production of spring wildflower honey. Unlike Northern and Central Italy, where cold and rain have compromised crops, in Sicily it is the lack of water that threatens the survival of bees and puts beekeeping as a source of income at risk.
The bees find just enough nectar to survive, leading Sicilian beekeepers towards their fifth year of production decline.
Unprecedented crisis for Sicilian beekeeping
Over a thousand beekeeping companies in Sicily are facing extreme conditions, with an alarming decrease in citrus fruits and wildflowers and almost zero production. Antonino Coco, president of the Regional Association of Sicilian Beekeepers (ARAS), highlights how climate change is transforming beekeeping into a “permanent natural disaster”, making it almost impossible to continue the activity.
The Vital Importance of Beekeepers for Biodiversity and Nutrition
The function of bees as pollinators is crucial for food production globally. Their extinction, along with that of other pollinators, is accelerated by the use of pesticides, monocultures, fires and the destruction of natural habitats. Without immediate interventions, the situation could become irreversible.
Urgent appeal to all candidates for the European elections
ARAS urgently calls on European and regional institutions to adopt concrete measures to support beekeepers, including new subsidies and stricter environmental policies. It is essential to act now to preserve the local economy, biodiversity and life in Sicily.
Conclusions
The situation in Sicily is a wake-up call that requires immediate attention and decisive action to safeguard beekeepers and, consequently, bees. The future of beekeeping and biodiversity depends on current political choices.
