Camponaraya hosts 9th Honey Fair amid production challenges

The 9th edition of the Camponaraya Honey Fair has opened in El Bierzo, Spain, featuring 25 exhibitors. The event takes place during a difficult period for regional beekeeping, as recent seasons have seen low production levels and limited honey availability.

In the concurrent IX Honey Contest organized by the ‘Miel del Bierzo’ Guarantee Mark, the forest honey from El Colmenar del Bierzo (Espina de Tremor) took first place with 112 points. The second prize went to forest honey from Candea (Oencia), and the third to chestnut honey from Camponaraya.

To support the sector, the Diputación de León has increased aid to combat the invasive Asian hornet from 30,000 to 60,000 euros and raised funding for agricultural fairs to 400,000 euros. Local officials emphasized that supporting beekeeping is vital for maintaining rural populations and encouraging generational renewal in the industry.