FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security join efforts to strengthen Barbados’ apiculture industry

From 21 to 25 September 2026, value chain development working sessions for the apiculture sector took place in Barbados in a joint effort between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security (MAFS), and key industry stakeholders.  

Bernard Thompson, National Apiculture Value Chain Focal Point said, “The updating of the Rapid Value Chain Analysis and Upgrading Strategies for the apiculture sector is a critical component for the development of the sector. This collaborative effort between the Ministry of Agriculture Food and Nutritional Security and FAO further demonstrates the commitment by the government, its development partners to transform the beekeeping sector to a commercially viable and environmentally sustainable industry that will positively impact the financial viability of the beekeepers and provide employment opportunities for the surrounding communities.”

With renewed momentum and interest to develop and expand the apiculture industry, over 20 stakeholders, including beekeepers, beekeeping association representatives, organizations, representatives from ministry agencies and development partners, gathered to highlight key issues, challenges and opportunities and to develop upgrading strategies through interactive and highly participatory discussions.

A local participant beekeeper said that, “the opportunity to engage with fellow beekeepers and other stakeholders was valuable and beneficial. Hearing about how others have faced challenges and sharing experiences provided a broader view of the apiculture sector and how we can improve.”

Following the value chain assessment working sessions, beekeepers and representatives from the Apiculture Unit and the MAFS attended the Agribusiness Training and Cost of Production Survey Clinic on September 24. The agribusiness training enhances understanding in cost of production analysis, the importance of financial record-keeping, and improving investment-related decision making. The work focuses on understanding the economics of honey production by working with beekeepers across all scales.

Speaking on the broader strategy behind the very rich consultations with national value chain stakeholders, and the information and data gathering that will help generate the various analytical outputs of the mission, FAO Trade and Markets Officer and Representative a.i. for Barbados, Juan Cheaz-Pelaez, stated that the intervention is in line with the MAFS’ goal of substituting imports with local production. “This is an important step to provide the evidence about key constraints along the value chain as well as the economic analysis that will better inform producers, government and investors about the needed actions to enhance performance, sustainability and profitability of the apiculture value chain.”

This project and the resulting technical outputs will provide industry stakeholders with critical insights and a deeper understanding of the honey value chain, supporting them in identifying opportunities for growth, strengthening their business decision-making, and improving collaboration across the sector. Stakeholders will be better equipped to enhance their business decision-making, capture new market opportunities, and contribute to a more competitive, resilient, and sustainable honey industry.