Beekeepers in western Austria are cautiously optimistic regarding this year’s honey harvest.
Apiarists across the country feared underwhelming volumes due to the cold and rainy conditions in May.
However, June’s mild and mostly sunny weather has significantly altered their estimation.
Gerhard Mohr heads the Association of Beekeepers in Vorarlberg which is Austria’s westernmost state.
The Hittisau-based apiarist told broadcaster ORF: “The bees were able to recover and make the most of the local range of blossoms.”
Speaking about the constant threat a parasite called Varroa destructor is posing, Gerhard explained: “We have learned to live with it. If you act carefully, it is possible to keep it under control.”
But Gerhard warned: “Beekeepers must not become negligent. The Varroa mite does not condone any mistakes.”
The Varroa destructor is a mite that has the potential to kill a whole colony of domesticated honeybees.
Untreated colonies often collapse within two years from the consequences of a fast-growing Varroa population, according to Dutch company Arista Bee Research.
Among Vorarlberg’s 395,000 inhabitants, there are around 1,500 full-time and hobbyist beekeepers. They harvest 100,000 kilogrammes of honey on average each year.
Apiculture is most popular in the northeastern regions of Upper Austria and Lower Austria.
