Abstract:
This study analyses the situation of European Union concerning the
production and the marketing of honey. The data are very recent (2004-2007)
and correspond to the period of implementation of the Regulation (EC) No.
797/2004 on measures improving general conditions for the production and
marketing of apiculture products. In June 1997, the Council adopted
Regulation (EC) No 1221/97, which is intended to help improve the
production and marketing of honey in the European Union. The Regulation
gives Member States the chance to lay down national annual programmes, in
close cooperation with trade organisations and cooperatives. The five
priority measures that may be included in the programmes are: technical
assistance, control of varroasis, rationalisation of transhumance, measures
to support laboratories carrying out analyses of honey and applied research
to improve the quality of honey. In November 1997, Commission Regulation
(EC) No 2300/97 laid down detailed rules to implement the Council
Regulation. Among other things, these detailed rules govern arrangements
for: the content of the national programmes the date of notification of
programmes the distribution formula for Community financing and points to
be covered in studies of the structure of the sector. The Member States have
carried out their studies of the beekeeping sector, covering the production
and marketing structures and price formation .The objective of the study was
to describe the real situation of the market and the existent opportunities for
commercial exchanges. The European Union is a big honey importer, as a
result of increased consumption of natural and dietary products. It is very
difficult for The European Union to cope with competition of imported honey
at low prices, because the production costs of the European beekeepers are
very high. This is a consequence of the fact that European honey has a high
quality. In conclusion, we can say that the European Union honey market is a
promising one for importers whose products meet its quality standards.
