Bee populations in Hungary face crisis due to drought and pollen shortages

Extreme heat and prolonged drought have triggered a severe food crisis for bee populations in Hungary and near the Romanian border. The National Hungarian Beekeeping Association (OMME) warns that approximately 80% of the country’s bee population is facing a critical shortage of natural nectar and pollen.

Following the end of sunflower blooming in late July, natural food sources have largely vanished as wetlands and riverbanks have dried up. This lack of pollen, a vital protein source for developing young bees, has caused egg-laying to slow or stop entirely in many colonies. The shortage is compounded by a lack of water, which bees require to cool the hive and sustain the queen and larvae.

Experts warn that the consequences may not be fully realized until the spring of 2027, as weakened colonies struggle to survive the winter. The crisis poses a significant threat to agricultural stability, as the decline in bee numbers could disrupt the pollination of essential crops and impact overall food security. OMME has formally requested that the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture provide support and refrain from penalizing beekeepers for colony losses caused by these unprecedented weather conditions.