Albacete Fair hosts political visits and highlights beekeeping crisis

During the Albacete Fair, political leaders and industry representatives addressed both regional festivities and economic challenges. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the People's Party (PP), visited the fair and expressed his commitment to “uniting citizens again,” emphasizing the importance of the 700-year-old tradition in Castilla-La Mancha.

Simultaneously, the local beekeeping sector is facing a severe crisis. Ricardo Ortega, president of the Association of Beekeepers of the Province of Albacete (ASAPA), reported a production drop of between 50% and 60% compared to a normal year. He cited high temperatures, climate change, diseases like varroa, and pressure from the great grey shrike as primary causes for the decline and increased mortality rates. Ortega noted that the lack of economic viability is causing professional farms to disappear annually, making it difficult for new generations to enter the industry.