Stakeholder Meeting Moves Forward OECS Beekeeping Policy by Bernella Vidal

On July 24th, 2025, a meeting was held at the Fisheries Point Wharf Conference Room with stakeholders from different sectors to assist with the OECS Beekeeping Policy-making efforts. The meeting was led by Dr. Floyd Homer, Lead Consultant on OECS Agricultural Policy.

Dr. Homer encouraged participation, as stakeholder input would help create a standard policy on what is classified as honey. This comes in response to ongoing concerns across OECS member states about the adulteration of honey.

Though each member state may have written guidelines on what constitutes honey, there are currently no mandatory policies enforced by the Bureau of Standards. This gap allows adulterated honey to be imported and placed on shelves in local communities. The issue brought light to what can be done to better control fake honey across the region.

One may think that local honey can meet domestic demand, but it was expressed by Dr. Homer that due to tourism and its seasonality, demand far exceeds supply — especially since local honey is regarded as the best.

The University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine Campus was mentioned as one of the institutions that conducts a range of tests on honey to assess its quality. However, it was noted that in order for these tests to be fully accurate and useful, there must be clarity on where the honey samples originate—specifically the locations of the hives.

It was concluded that there is a need to improve awareness of honeybees, and with stakeholder participation, the best way forward is being identified.

Dr. Homer will be visiting apiaries and host other meetings with beekeepers tomorrow.  It is expected that he will receive more feedback to assist with creating the OECS policy on apiculture in the region.