The potential for improving beekeeping in Malta : a feasibility study report

Abstract

Malta is an agri-tourism country in which about 65% of the population live in rural areas. The goal or the government is to industrialize the mainly agricultural economy of the country. Many parts of the country are very promising for developing modern beekeeping, to which most of them were never exposed. Favorable conditions were found for increasing the production and the profitability of honey and its by-products. The added benefits beekeeping can contribute to agricultural production are much greater than the income derived from honey and its by-products. Exchange of know-how and professional skills, as well as financial cooperation with foreign institutions, and countries should be considered. The local staff and experts in beekeeping should play an important role in promoting the industry. The implementation of these recommendations will enhance the development of the beekeeping industry, and at the same time help to· raise farmers' income. Within a short period of several years Maj ta should be able to produce large quantities of honey and its by-products, large quantities of fruits, vegetables and seeds and may become exporters of many agricultural products.