Moldovan beekeepers are driving rapid growth in the country’s apicultural sector, doubling honey exports through innovation and investment. In 2024, over 80% of requests for advance subsidies came from beekeepers, signaling a dynamic and fast-developing industry.
“When we see that 80% of requests for advance subsidies come from beekeepers, we understand that this sector is dynamic and ready for development,” said Iurie Scripnic, State Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA).
Between January and October 2024, Moldova exported over 3,100 tons of honey, more than double the 1,300 tons exported during the same period in 2023. According to Scripnic, this surge reflects growing international trust in Moldovan honey and increasing competitiveness among local producers.
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Export-Oriented Growth
Moldova currently has around 265,000 bee families, and the sector produces approximately 3,700 tons of honey annually. About 70% of this production is exported, with the European Union as the main destination. Over the past three years, around 90% of Moldova’s honey exports—roughly 2,200 tons annually—have gone to EU markets.
The National Agency for Food Safety (ANSA) reported close collaboration with honey producers and exporters in 2024 to implement new EU legislation, facilitating access to European markets.
“The beekeeping sector in Moldova is continuously developing. The EU remains a priority market for Moldovan honey and honey products,” ANSA noted.
ANSA encourages local producers aiming to export to the EU to apply for authorization through the agency.
A Growing Community of Beekeepers
According to official data, Moldova has 9,421 authorized beekeepers holding a beehive passport, and 3,319 of them operate with a legal business status.
Beekeeping is a traditional practice across most Moldovan localities. The government supports its development through strategic policies, technology promotion, and health education.
National Bee Day
On May 20, Moldova celebrates National Bee Day, a holiday established in 2023 following a proposal by the National Beekeepers Association. The holiday promotes honey consumption and public awareness of the sector’s importance.
“Promoting honey consumption will help improve public health, grow the domestic market, and create opportunities for international cooperation,” the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry said.
Moldova’s National Bee Day coincides with World Bee Day, established by the United Nations in 2017 to recognize the vital role of bees and pollinators in food security and ecosystem health.