Beekeepers Should be Rich

The Georgian Beekeepers Union (GBU) held it’s annual meeting in Telavi, Kakheti region, celebrating its sixth anniversary with over 150 beekeepers from across the country. The two-day event featured a conference and an experience-sharing study tour to successful honey enterprises in Kakheti.

During the conference, participants reviewed GBU's 2024 achievements and engaged with presentations from various organizations. The Rural Development Agency introduced the newly announced Beekeeping Support Programme for co-financing the cost of climate smart beehives, while Apiguru, a leading beehive producer who will produce hives under this programme highlighted the importance and benefits of climate-smart beehives. Georgia’s largest royal jelly producer inspired attendees to diversify and explore new beekeeping products. ‘Every beekeeper should be rich because we produce and sell high-value products. We just need to understand that beekeeping is a business, not a hobby,’ - he stated.

A honey plant nursery owner from Kaspi showcased available honey plants and generously distributed seeds to all participants. The GBU recognized Iuza Doghonadze, an 87-year-old beekeeper from the Imereti region, as Georgia’s oldest active beekeeper and accepted new membership applications from up to thirty beekeepers who applied during the conference.

On the second day, more than 100 beekeepers visited the successful honey companies Taplikatsi and Royal Honey in Akhmeta municipality. One participant from the Samtskhe-Javakheti region remarked, ‘It was inspiring to see these thriving businesses and learn from their experiences. Starting our own honey companies now feels much more achievable.’

The Georgian Beekeepers Union is facilitated by the ALCP2 programme, implemented by Mercy Corps Georgia. The ALCP2 is funded by the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) in collaboration with the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) and Sweden.