Germany’s Bee Population Reaches Record High Despite High Winter Mortality Rates
Germany’s beekeepers have been working hard and have achieved a new record for the number of bee colonies in the country. According to preliminary figures from the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food, there are now almost one million bee populations in Germany. Furthermore, each bee colony produced an average of 34 kilograms of honey in 2022, making them more productive than in recent years.
These figures are even more impressive considering the high winter mortality of bees in Germany. According to the specialist center for bees and beekeeping, approximately a fifth of all bee colonies could not survive the winter of 2021/22, which is the highest winter losses seen in five years.
The loss rates were particularly high in Hamburg (41.6 percent), Bremen (28.7 percent) and Saarland (26.9 percent), while Bavarian beekeepers had a much better mortality rate of 17 percent. The primary reason for the high mortality rates is due to bee colonies being infected with the Varroa mite. Nonetheless, the loss levels remain within the normal range of 10 to 25 percent per winter.
Despite these challenges, Germans can still enjoy their beloved honey as every German citizen consumed an average of around one kilogram of honey in 2022. This is roughly 13.5 percent more than in 2021. However, per capita consumption is approximately 100 grams lower than in previous years.
In summary, while the challenges facing German beekeepers and their colonies are significant, it is clear that their hard work and efforts are paying off, producing a bumper spring crop of honey.
