Mantova honey production sees positive season exceeding expectations

Honey production in the Mantova province has seen a positive season that exceeded expectations, according to a survey by Coldiretti Mantova. This recovery follows a difficult 2025 season marked by temperature drops and excessive rainfall.

A mild spring without significant thermal shifts contributed to the growth, although producers faced challenges during the summer due to high temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius and sporadic, sometimes violent, precipitation. These heat conditions caused plants to stop producing nectar to protect themselves, creating difficulties for the bees.

Producers reported high quality in varieties such as acacia, linden, wildflower, alfalfa, and chestnut honey. However, production for dandelion and cherry honey was reportedly below expectations. Despite the positive trend, beekeepers noted ongoing concerns regarding the varroa mite parasite and a general production level that remains lower than in the early 2000s.