Wednesday, 02 August 2023 10:25

Fresh buzz in sector

Written by  Peter Burke
Things are looking up for the country’s bee industry, following a couple of difficult years. Things are looking up for the country’s bee industry, following a couple of difficult years.

Things are looking up for the country's bee industry, following a couple of difficult years.

That's the view of ApicultureNZ chief executive Karin Kos in the wake of the organisation's recent annual conference, held in Rotorua and attended by 700 people.

Kos told Hort News that while it's been a tough season, the mood of the conference was actually quite good. She added that hearing news from exporters that overseas markets are starting to open up was positive for bee keepers.

But Kos concedes there is still a hangover from the past bad seasons and there is a need to sell some of the honey that remains stored and unsold around the country. But she adds that some sales are starting to happen, especially in the South Island.

"No doubt it's tough, but there was a sense that actually coming together at the conference is really important," she explains.

"There is a lot happening in our industry and we need to be across that. For example, looking at the hive numbers in 2019 there were close to one million hives, now it is 620,000.

"So, the industry has adjusted and we are hoping that it won't have to adjust too much more." 

Kos believes that many of the people who have dropped out of the industry were the smaller operators and - in some cases - new entrants to the industry. But she says with this adjustment has come the good news that the United States is becoming a really important market for Manuka Honey and that the Chinese market is also starting to open up.

EU/NZ FTA Signing Welcomed

Kos says signing of the EU free trade agreement takes the sector one step closer to the removal of tariffs on all NZ honey exported into the European Union.

karin kos 2 FBTW

Apiculture New Zealand chief executive Karin Kos.

She says the EU is an important market for NZ's honey exporters and we have a long history of exporting high-quality honey products there. Kos says the removal of the current in-quota tariff rate of 17.3%, when the agreement comes into force, will make a huge difference to honey exports to the EU - which ar worth about $60 million.

She says the sector is thrilled that the agreement also includes the definition of mānuka and a separate tariff recognising the inherent distinctiveness of mānuka as a taonga species exclusively from New Zealand.

"The EU's recognition of mānuka as a taonga species is significant in helping progress the next step in securing geographical indications for mānuka honey, an initiative that is strongly supported by both industry and iwi," she adds.

But Kos says while all this gives the sector a bit of optimism, it has to be grounded on the fact that the last three years have been pretty tough.

More like this

$2b boost in NZ exports to EU

New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.

Changing global trade ties

OPINION: I recently returned from a market visit overseas, including the United Kingdom and Europe. These are critical, historically important and increasingly high value markets for our red meat exports.

Honey industry group set to merge

A big shakeup in the honey sector is about to take place with the news that the industry good body, ApiNZ, and the export focused Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association are looking to merge to form a new industry body.

From the CEO: A changing trade environment

Did you know that nearly 90% of total New Zealand wine sales occur offshore? That simple number means our wine businesses are the most export oriented of all the global wine industries. It also makes our sector especially sensitive to any changes in the trade rules that govern the access of our wines into international markets.

Featured

$2b boost in NZ exports to EU

New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.

US tariffs hit European ag machinery markets

The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.

Tributes paid to Jim Bolger

Dignitaries from  all walks of life – the governor general,  politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and  friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.

National

Hort industry dishes out awards

Research and healthcare initiatives, leadership and dedication to the sector have been recognised in the 2025 Horticulture Industry Awards.

Machinery & Products

Yamaha acquires Robotics Plus

New Zealand based company Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation, has announced an agreement for it to be acquired…

Ecorobotix announces NZ dealership

Swiss-based Ecorobotix has announced its entry into the New Zealand market through a strategic partnership with Canterbury-based New Zealand Tractors.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Red faced

OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…

Cold comfort

One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter