—Minister Mustapha hails rapid growth, innovation in apiculture industry

GUYANA is advancing plans to become self-sufficient in honey production and emerge as a leading honey exporter within the Caribbean by 2030.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, made the announcement on Friday during the opening ceremony of the Ministry of Agriculture’s 2025 Honey Fest, held under the theme “Buzz Forward: Sweet Innovation for a Safe and Sustainable Future” at the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

The minister said the government is fully aware of the apiculture industry’s potential and has been investing heavily to modernise the sector through innovation, technology and training.

Stating that the government recognises the importance of the apiculture industry, Minister Mustapha has said that across Guyana, farmers, researchers and entrepreneurs are adopting new technologies, smart hives, organic treatment and eco-friendly practices to make beekeeping more productive and resilient.

He recalled that five years ago, honey production in Guyana was minimal, but targeted interventions and policy support have transformed the industry.

“We were producing a very small amount of honey, but we recognised the potential in this industry,” the minister said, explaining that $150 million was allocated in 2024 to strengthen the agri-food system and diversify production within this subsector.

According to Minister Mustapha, honey production rose dramatically from 2,124 gallons in 2023 to 27,061 gallons by the end of 2024, marking what he described as a tremendous leap of power that demonstrates the industry’s true capacity.

He said he is “very confident” that production will surpass 30,000 gallons in 2025, citing the combined efforts of thousands of apiculturists across the country who are now equipped with modern knowledge and techniques provided by the GLDA.

“This progress is no accident. It is the result of innovation, training, and partnership led by the Guyana Livestock Development Authority, which continues to provide training in modern beekeeping, disease control, and hive management,” he explained.

Minister Mustapha underscored that Guyana has the potential to produce the best honey in this part of the world and that the government is already collaborating with other Caribbean nations to eliminate non-tariff barriers and open new export markets.

“We are putting mechanisms in place where we are working among Caribbean countries to remove those barriers so our honey can enter their markets,” he affirmed.

The minister also emphasised the importance of value-added production, noting that the future of the local honey industry extends beyond raw honey to include products such as beeswax, royal jelly and speciality honey all of which can drive profitability, create jobs, and empower rural communities.

He said that ensuring the purity, safety and quality of Guyanese honey will be essential to branding it as a regional and international product.

The Guyana Food Safety Authority, he added, has been instrumental in strengthening the country’s food standards and legislation to ensure compliance with international export requirements.

“Let’s continue to buzz forward, together, protecting our pollinators, promoting innovation, ensuring safety, and pursuing sustainability with passion and purpose,” Minister Mustapha urged.