top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

French honey production 'exceptional' in 2020 so far

An “exceptional” amount of honey has been produced in France so far this year, due to the unusually warm weather and coronavirus confinement.

Jean-Luc Debaisieux, vice-president of a beekeeping federation in Lille (Nord), said honey production in 2020 had “multiplied by three". 

He said: "And that’s only spring honey. We should still be able to make summer honey. So, it’s really an exceptional year.”

Read more: Summer 2020 in France to be hotter than normal

Read more: New map: Risk of summer drought in France

Warm weather

This year in France the weather has been usually warm, and beekeepers believe this is the reason for their bumper honey crops. 

Beekeeper Dominique Céna from Sucy-en-Brie (Val-de-Marne) said: “2020 has been another indicator of global warming. 

"We practically didn’t have a winter. The bee colonies started very early in the season, and we had humidity in the first trimester. That means that the plants had all the necessary conditions to be able to grow quickly. 

"And the bee colonies have, clearly, made the most of that.”

 

Confinement conditions

Confinement as a result of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 - which causes Covid-19 - in France has also added to favourable conditions. 

Bees have had a calm environment in which to collect pollen, and meadows and embankments have been left to grow wild, increasing the amount of pollen available. 

Additionally, a rise in gardening as a hobby has meant more vegetable patches, which have also made more pollen available for bees to collect.

Related articles

France on red alert for allergies until end of July

French scientists fight Asian hornet ‘in own language’

French bees and honey production damaged by heatwave

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France