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Poland has bought the largest share (25%), while Germany is the second-largest buyer (20%) and Belgium – the third (11%).
Ukrainian beekeepers over the 11 months of 2020 have exported a record volume of honey, that's 69,840 tonnes, Food and Agriculture Organization's consultant Anna Burka reports.
"There is less than a month left before the start of 2021, but a record high has already been set for honey exports. Exports from Ukraine over the 11 months of 2020 have reached an absolute high of 69,800 tonnes worth a total of $117.5 million. The previous record was set in 2017 at 67,800 tonnes ($133.9 million)," the expert reported on Facebook, according to the TSN news service.
She says high demand for Ukrainian honey across the European Union is observed due to a number of reasons:
Uncertainty about further COVID-19 developments, and, accordingly, the active stock-up for the entire 2020/21 season and
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Poland has bought the largest share (25%), while Germany is the second-largest buyer (20%) and Belgium – the third (11%).
Background
By the end of 2019, Ukraine increased honey exports by 12.7%, to 55,600 tonnes, with a total output of 110,000 tonnes.
In the 2020 state budget, UAH 4 billion was allocated for the support of agricultural producers.
Of this amount, UAH 1.2 billion is provided for the loan compensation program, UAH 1 billion – for partial compensation of the agricultural machinery and equipment cost, UAH 1 billion – for support of livestock produceres, as well as UAH 400 million – for gardeners and farmers.
As of October 22, 2020, Ukrainian beekeepers have applied for subsidies to maintain bee colonies totaling UAH 240 million, which is twice as much as the government foresaw.