Amman: The second Jordanian Honey Festival, organized by the Jordanian Beekeepers Association, opened Wednesday at King Hussein Gardens in Amman. Ministry of Agriculture Secretary-General Mohammad Hiyari emphasized that beekeeping is a promising agricultural sector contributing to food security and sustainable rural development. He highlighted the crucial role bees play in pollinating crops, increasing agricultural productivity, and preserving ecological balance and biodiversity.
According to Jordan News Agency, Hiyari noted the ministry's support for the beekeeping sector through the development of regulatory legislation, strengthening technical and extension services, providing concessional financing, supporting scientific research, and promoting modern technologies to enhance the quality and competitiveness of Jordanian honey. He added that the ministry is working on improving the sector's regulatory and monitoring framework by licensing apiaries and assigning national identification numbers to beehives. This effort aims to establish an accurate database, improve planning, apply traceability and oversight measures, and enhance services provided to beekeepers.
Hiyari further stated that the festival serves as a vital platform for promoting Jordanian honey and related products. It strengthens consumer confidence in locally produced honey and allows beekeepers to exchange expertise and showcase their products. He pointed out the sector's value chains, which include high-value products with economic and medicinal applications, such as beeswax, royal jelly, pollen, and propolis. Additionally, there are opportunities in apiary tourism and apitherapy.
He stressed the importance of strategic partnerships with the Jordanian Beekeepers Association, research institutions, universities, and the private sector to support innovation and open new domestic and international markets. Hiyari also expressed gratitude to the union and the festival's organizers for their continued initiatives supporting the sector.
Jordanian Beekeepers Association President Muath Kazem stated that the festival is the Kingdom's largest national event dedicated to the beekeeping sector. It provides a leading platform connecting beekeepers directly with consumers, eliminating intermediaries and lengthy supply chains. He added that the festival builds on the success of its first edition last year, which attracted over 10,000 visitors and generated direct sales exceeding JD60,000, reflecting strong consumer confidence in Jordanian honey.
Kazem emphasized the need for support and recognition for Jordanian beekeepers, who have distinguished themselves in international competitions and events due to the high quality of their products. He noted that beekeepers' contributions extend beyond production, as they help preserve ecological balance and contribute to food security and the sustainability of the national environment. The festival, Kazem explained, is not just focused on marketing but combines awareness activities, commercial engagement, and community, entertainment, and cultural events to provide an integrated national experience showcasing the quality of Jordanian honey and supporting the national economy.
On the festival's sidelines, the Agricultural Credit Corporation signed a cooperation agreement with the association to regulate and guide concessional financing provided to beekeepers. This initiative aims to ensure the sustainability of their projects and improve their productive and developmental efficiency. Agricultural Credit Corporation Director General Mohammad Dogan emphasized the strategic importance of beekeeping in preserving ecological balance and biodiversity, along with the expanding therapeutic, preventive, and nutritional uses of bee products.
Dogan explained that the partnership with the union aims to establish a framework for financing and field guidance while avoiding adverse operational practices. The agreement focuses on providing beneficiaries with training and capacity-building programs necessary for the success and sustainability of financed initiatives. Such initiatives, partnerships, and specialized festivals, he continued, directly strengthen the resilience of the national economy and support agriculture-led growth. Dogan expressed hope that these partnerships would be further strengthened to serve farmers and achieve the intended development impact.