Between 2017 and 2018, honey production increased by 5%, and according to businessmen there are opportunities for the sector to continue on the right path, because in the Costa Rican market there is still demand that can not be met with local production.
The Agricultural Statistical Bulletin, prepared by the Executive Secretariat of Agricultural Sector Planning, states that between 2017 and 2018 production grew from 1,128 to 1,180 metric tons.
Adverse climate effects have led to a lower production of honey, which will not be enough to meet demand in the local market by the end of the year.
According to projections by the Tropical Bee Research Center, at the National University this year production was one-third what it was in 2014. Consequently beekeepers and packaging companies will be affected by this low level of honey production in the country.
According to beekeepers, climate change, a possible new pest already present in Nicaragua and unfair competition are the factors affecting the sector's performance.
In 2013 a 7.8% increase was reported in the number of kilos produced compared to the year 2012. However, industry members say that for the next harvest they expect a decline in production levels due to the negative effects of climate change and other factors.
The number of hives in production increased from 26,000 in 2006 to 45,000 in 2013, reaching a total level of honey production of 900 tons in the last year.
The 1,782 beekeepers engaged in honey production in the country managed to increase the productive capacity of the hives implementing techniques such as breeding queens, among other things.
According to the National Beekeeping Programme, at the National Animal Health Service (SENASA), the production numbers "... make Costa Rica self-sufficient as far as honey production is concerned."