Sonora's Bees in Danger: Drought and Adulterated Honey Threaten Beekeepers

Sonora Beekeepers Face Crisis Amidst Drought and Adulterated Honey Imports Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico – Beekeepers in the state of Sonora are facing a severe crisis, with a reported 50% decline in bee colonies. This alarming trend is threatening not only the livelihoods of local apiarists but also the delicate balance of the regional ecosystem. Roberto Ortega Hinojosa, president of the Sonora Beekeepers Association, points to two primary factors: persistent drought and the influx of adulterated honey from China. "The drought has severely limited the flowering of plants, which are the bees' main food source," explains Ortega. "This, combined with the unfair competition from cheaper, imported honey that is often adulterated, is devastating our industry." Ortega highlights the deceptive nature of the imported honey, noting that consumers are often unaware that they are buying a product that lacks the quality and benefits of genuine, locally produced honey. Ortega proposes a solution: the immediate reactivation of state-run bee nurseries. These nurseries, he says, are currently inactive due to mismanagement. Their reopening could help replenish bee populations and support the recovery of the beekeeping industry in Sonora. His call to action underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for government intervention to protect both the environment and the livelihoods of Sonora's beekeepers.