Actions visant à ameliorer les conditions de la production et de la commercialisation des produits de l’apiculture dans l’Union Europeenne

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.