Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus recorded 33,640 beehives in 2023, down from 38,130 in 2020, according to Eurostat data published on Wednesday. The figures contrasted with an EU-wide increase in farm-based beehives.
Cyprus figures and EU trend
Eurostat reported that the total number of beehives on farms in the European Union reached 9.4 million in 2023. Across the EU, the number of farm-based beehives increased by 1.3 million compared with 2020, a rise of 16 percent from 8.1 million.
Member state totals in 2023
Italy recorded the highest number of farm beehives in 2023 with almost 1.9 million, followed by Romania with 1.7 million, Greece with 1.2 million and Bulgaria with 1.0 million.
Changes since 2020
Eurostat data showed that beehive numbers increased in 12 EU countries compared with 2020, with Italy recording the largest rise at 822,490 additional hives, an increase of 79 percent. Declines were recorded in 10 member states, including Hungary with a drop of 152,110 hives and Spain with a decrease of 131,440.
Scope of the data
Eurostat said the figure represents only hives located on agricultural holdings and not the full national bee population. The statistics were released in connection with ‘World Bee Day’.
How do you think the decline in beehives on agricultural holdings in Cyprus could affect local agriculture?
