MP Ferhat brings forward the demands of beekeepers in Rhodope

Özgür Ferhat, Member of Parliament for Rhodope from the New Left Party, has raised serious concerns about the challenges faced by beekeepers in Rhodope following the devastating wildfires of August 2023.

On February 11, 2025, MP Ferhat submitted a written report to the President of the Greek Parliament and the Minister of Agriculture and Food, outlining the severe impact of the fires on the region’s beekeeping industry. The report is based on a letter sent by the Rhodope Beekeepers’ Association "To Kentri" and highlights the destruction of the Susurköy pine forest, a critical area for pine honey production.

Key Challenges Faced by Beekeepers
The report details the loss of primary pasture areas, rising production costs, and a drastic decline in pine honey production, describing the sector’s current difficulties in detail.

The beekeepers emphasize the following concerns:

The Susurköy pine forest, essential for pine honey production, has been completely destroyed.
Neighboring Meriç region, where many beekeepers also operate, has also suffered irreparable damage.
Beekeepers are now forced to relocate to distant regions, significantly increasing their costs.
This year’s honey production has decreased by 70%, marking one of the most challenging periods in the history of the beekeeping sector.

Beekeepers’ Demands
The Rhodope Beekeepers’ Association is calling on the government to take urgent action, including:

Additional financial compensation to cover increased production costs.
Measures to reduce transportation and feed expenses, helping beekeepers adapt to new and difficult conditions.

MP Ferhat’s Statement
Commenting on the issue, MP Özgür Ferhat stated:

"Beekeeping is a sustainable and environmentally friendly sector that supports the agricultural economy of Rhodope and our country as a whole. Beekeepers in our region are in a state of despair following these recent disasters and urgently need government support. We call on the government to take concrete measures and implement policies to strengthen the sector and address the challenges faced by beekeepers. As a Member of Parliament for Rhodope, I will continue to support the struggle of beekeepers and bring their rightful demands to the forefront."