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consciousness has resulted in an increasing demand for honey on the
domestic market. The majority of Grenada’s beekeepers are in various
stages of re-establishing hives after serious setbacks by Hurricanes
Ivan and Emily. Many of the hives have yet to reach maximum production
levels and it is anticipated that 2008 will see a significant increase
in production as these hives mature. According to Norris and Waveney
Neckles, a husband and wife team with an apiary and orchard, an
investment of $ 8,000 can establish a 10-hive apiary. This includes
hives (hive body, frames, supers, excluders and foundation comb); bees
(queen and several thousand workers for each hive); protective gear
(hat, veil, gloves, and suit) and tools (smoker, uncapping knife,
stainless steel strainer). An extractor is also needed, which can be
rented from the Association. Bees need to forage. Good sources of
nectar are caralita vine, gliricidia, campeche, citrus, coconuts, West
Indian Cherry, carambola and mangoes. Bees tend to thrive more at
elevation levels below 700 feet where there is more sunshine and an
abundance of flowering plants. The area should be reasonably clean,
accessible by vehicle, have a source of water and shade. During the
honey flow, January to August, a properly managed hive with 3 supers
can produce 6 gallons of honey 4 times, that is, 24 gallons. With the
average wholesale price of $100 per gallon, one hive has the potential
to gross $ 2,400 annually. Training courses are offered through the
Association in conjunction with IICA, ART and the Ministry of
Agriculture. The Neckles suggest however, that prospective beekeepers
should have a brief apprenticeship with an experienced beekeeper before
embarking on their own. Hives must be checked weekly to identify
potential problems, since a thriving hive can disappear in a week. With so much untapped potential the future for beekeeping in Grenada is very sweet indeed |
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