How Organic Beekeeping Transforms Saudi Honey Industry
Saudi Arabia's honey production blends traditional beekeeping with modern sustainable agriculture methods.
Saudi Arabia’s honey sector has been experiencing a transformation that combines centuries-old beekeeping techniques with contemporary sustainable practices.
The industry, once an underappreciated aspect of rural life, is now gaining global recognition due to organic certification, government support, and the efforts of pioneering beekeepers.
Jassim Almughrabi, Saudi Arabia’s first certified organic honey producer, and owner of Mughrabi Apiaries, has been pivotal in this shift.
With decades of experience, including his tenure as a honeybee specialist at the Ministry of Agriculture, Almughrabi discussed the progress made recently with Arab News.
He attributed the improvement in production to government support for the transition from conventional to organic methods.
The Ministry of Agriculture facilitated certifications and helped beekeepers participate in national exhibitions, such as BIOFACH Saudi Arabia.
This institutional backing allowed local beekeepers to expand their operations and enter new markets.
The transformation is rooted in traditional knowledge, particularly prevalent in Makkah, Madinah, Abha, Al-Baha, and Taif regions where hollowed logs were traditionally used for housing bees.
Over the past 45 years, under the ministry's encouragement, beekeepers adopted modern beehive systems like the Langstroth hive.
The adoption of these techniques transformed the industry, making Saudi honey a sought-after commodity.
Challenges such as desertification, pesticide use, and climate change pose threats to both bee populations and floral diversity.
However, sustainable beekeeping practices are seen as solutions that can help preserve ecosystems critical for bee and honey production.
The experts also highlighted the role of native bees and flora in this transformation.
Saudi Arabia's commitment to organic certification ensures stringent standards regarding chemical interventions and traceability from hive to shelf, making it poised to export high-quality honey internationally.
Both Almughrabi and Mansour Al-Mgaslah believe that the Kingdom has an opportunity to become a global leader in organic honey production due to its unique botanical diversity and government support.
They envision expanding exports into niche markets valuing quality and authenticity.
The industry, once an underappreciated aspect of rural life, is now gaining global recognition due to organic certification, government support, and the efforts of pioneering beekeepers.
Jassim Almughrabi, Saudi Arabia’s first certified organic honey producer, and owner of Mughrabi Apiaries, has been pivotal in this shift.
With decades of experience, including his tenure as a honeybee specialist at the Ministry of Agriculture, Almughrabi discussed the progress made recently with Arab News.
He attributed the improvement in production to government support for the transition from conventional to organic methods.
The Ministry of Agriculture facilitated certifications and helped beekeepers participate in national exhibitions, such as BIOFACH Saudi Arabia.
This institutional backing allowed local beekeepers to expand their operations and enter new markets.
The transformation is rooted in traditional knowledge, particularly prevalent in Makkah, Madinah, Abha, Al-Baha, and Taif regions where hollowed logs were traditionally used for housing bees.
Over the past 45 years, under the ministry's encouragement, beekeepers adopted modern beehive systems like the Langstroth hive.
The adoption of these techniques transformed the industry, making Saudi honey a sought-after commodity.
Challenges such as desertification, pesticide use, and climate change pose threats to both bee populations and floral diversity.
However, sustainable beekeeping practices are seen as solutions that can help preserve ecosystems critical for bee and honey production.
The experts also highlighted the role of native bees and flora in this transformation.
Saudi Arabia's commitment to organic certification ensures stringent standards regarding chemical interventions and traceability from hive to shelf, making it poised to export high-quality honey internationally.
Both Almughrabi and Mansour Al-Mgaslah believe that the Kingdom has an opportunity to become a global leader in organic honey production due to its unique botanical diversity and government support.
They envision expanding exports into niche markets valuing quality and authenticity.
