Preserving Bees’ Vital Role in Agriculture

Agricultural experts and producers from key Mexican states gathered at the Ministry of Agriculture to commemorate World Bee Day, celebrated globally on May 20th. The event, part of the 58th Conference on Food Self-Sufficiency and Technological Innovation With Sustainable Practices, underscored the critical role of honeybees and stingless bees in pollinating plants, food production, biodiversity maintenance, and human life. 

Víctor Suárez, Deputy Minister of Food Self-Sufficiency, underscored that bees face multiple threats such as habitat destruction, pesticide contamination, droughts, and honey adulteration, making their survival a societal responsibility. Natividad Díaz, Market Management Director, SADER’s Food Self-Sufficiency Undersecretariat, highlighted the pivotal role of agroecological transition in supporting community-based initiatives and Field Schools (ECAs) for sustainable beekeeping practices. She noted the ongoing dialogue between beekeepers and technical teams under the Honey Technical Support Strategy (EAT), involving 11,300 producers.

Producers also participated in the discussion. Rocío Esperanza Hernández, Beekeeper from Jalisco, provided insights into the local apiculture association's organizational processes, emphasizing the importance of gradual development, while respecting beekeepers' autonomy and self-management. Daniel Zúñiga, EAT technician, discussed advances in agroecological apiculture in Michoacan's Lerma Chapala region. Collaborative efforts between technicians and producers have fostered technological innovations in apiary management.

Leticia Ruiz, Beekeeper from Chiapas, highlighted the growing participation of youth and women in beekeeping, which contributes to economic empowerment through product development and marketing. Similarly, Yanira Vázquez Maldonado, Technician, shared the success of the apicultural value chain involving women in Calakmul, Campeche. Their focus on commercialization mechanisms such as labeling, packaging, and sales points has been instrumental.

Alicia Valenzuela from Chihuahua and Maria Guadalupe Rendón from Tlaxcala emphasized the urgent need for suitable habitats amid climate change impacts threatening bee populations. They underscored the importance of adopting agroecological practices among beekeepers to enhance stable production levels.

The gathering concluded with a commitment to continue supporting sustainable beekeeping practices nationwide, recognizing the indispensable role of bees in ensuring food security and ecological balance.