Finland expects better honey harvest despite sharp regional differences

Honey production in Finland is expected to be average or slightly above average this year, Yle reports. The harvest is likely to exceed last year’s total, according to the Finnish Beekeepers’ Association.

“This year’s harvest appears to be a little better than last year’s. The precise figures will only become clear through the annual harvest survey sent to beekeepers,” said Virpi Aaltonen, a communications specialist at the association.

Marko Leino, Beekeeper of the Year and chair of the Beekeepers’ Association of Varsinais-Suomi, said he also expected a larger harvest.

“Clearly more honey is coming than last year. The final amount will be known after the honey has been extracted,” Leino said.

Over the past decade, Finland’s honey harvests have ranged from about 1.8 million to 3.4 million kilograms. Last year’s harvest was estimated at approximately three million kilograms.

Harvest season is mostly over

Leino, who has about 200 hives mainly in the Mynämäki area, said the summer weather had been favourable for honey production.

“There could have been a few more dry days. The plants received enough water, temperatures were moderate, and flowering continued for a long time, allowing the bees to collect plenty of nectar,” he said.

The honey harvest season has now mostly ended, although late-producing plants such as heather and buckwheat may still provide some honey in places, Aaltonen said.

Regional differences remain large

Honey yields can vary considerably between regions from year to year. Information received by the Finnish Beekeepers’ Association suggests that the harvest season in eastern Finland was slightly weaker than usual this year.

An average harvest is generally considered to be just under 40 kilograms of honey per hive. However, a good harvest in northern Finland may be only half that amount because the season is considerably shorter than in southern Finland, Aaltonen said.