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Honey production in Turkey

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-21 06:59 UTC → 2026-08-21 09:41 UTC · added removed

Honey harvesting seasons are underway across various Turkish provinces, influenced by regional climate and geography. In Hatay, abundant winter and early-spring rains have revitalized vegetation and increased nectar sources. Local beekeepers report that this improved plant cover has allowed for an earlier start to extraction and higher yields compared to previous drought-affected years. One beekeeper, Ismail Akyüz, noted that due to significant rainfall, “Bu yıl bayağı yağmur yağdığı için balda bereketli bir yıl olacak,” expressing optimism for an abundant harvest. In the provinces of Ardahan and Tunceli, harvesting is reaching its peak. In Ardahan, the Beekeepers Association reports that approximately 90 percent of the milking process is complete, with an expected production of 300 to 400 tons. In Tunceli’s Nazımiye district, producers are harvesting honey from high-altitude meadows reaching up to 2,500 meters. The quality in Tunceli is attributed to endemic flora and a lack of industrial pollution. In Elazığ, the harvest for thistle honey has commenced in the high-altitude Maden and Sivrice districts. This variety accounts for roughly 90 percent of the province’s total honey production. Provincial Director of Agriculture heavy winter snow and Forestry, Saadettin Taşkesen, indicated that the region is striving abundant spring rains have boosted local flora, leading to become a “world-class brand,” noting 20% increase in yield per hive. Fırat Canbay, President of the Elazığ Beekeepers Association, reported that an application for while producers harvested approximately 6 kilograms per hive last year, they are now expecting between 8 and 10 kilograms. This meteorological balance has also resulted in a European Union geographical indication submitted 20% increase in 2024 active bee colonies in the region. Additionally, Bitlis is nearing completion. Approximately 1,500 families manage about 110,000 hives, producing roughly 540 tons annually. Local producers report reporting a bountiful positive season due to increased seasonal rainfall, which has enriched sufficient rainfall following previous droughts. Bitlis Governor Ahmet Karakaya noted that the flora and driven high demand from major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, province produces approximately 2,100 tons of honey annually, representing about 2.2% of Turkey's total production. The province ranks first in Turkey for traditional ‘black hives’ and Izmir. fourth for total bee colonies.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-21 09:41 UTC Honey production in Turkey
  2. 2026-08-21 06:59 UTC Honey production in Turkey
  3. 2026-08-20 11:22 UTC Honey production in Turkey

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