Weather switch worries bee keepers

file image

Following the worries the wine makers are having with the cold weather – bee keepers also say the spring harvest of honey is under threat as bees are not foraging in the low temperatures.

There had been high hopes when the weather was warm earlier this month. Many beekeepers installed extra floors, known as ‘supers’ in anticipation of a busy spring. 

Ther is also a worry of bees swarming as there could be too many for a hive. 

That would set back production by another month.

The lack of bees is also worrying as many plants have not been pollinated. 

The head of Geneva’s Beekeeping Federation, Pascal Crétard, says the rapeseed flowers have withered and it may be too late for orchard blossom.

He says the pattern of a warm start to the season, and then followed by low temperatures is a sign of climate change and says the lack of spring honey means it will be a difficult year for them. 

More from Bitesize News

  • Economic outlook uncertain for this year

    Switzerland’s economic outlook remains cautious, with the KOF Swiss Economic Institute forecasting growth of around one percent in 2026,although that depends on falling oil prices.

  • Geneva bans the burkini

    Geneva’s parliament has voted to ban the burkini in public swimming pools, ending months of heated debate.

  • Birthday candles banned in Geneva schools

    In response to the fire in Crans Montana, birthday candles have been banned in Geneva’s primary schools.

  • Transit tax moves closer

    Switzerland is moving closer to introducing a transit tax for foreign vehicles crossing the country.

  • Fake Nyon officer fined

    A man in his fifties has been convicted in Vaud after impersonating a police officer in several towns, including Rolle and Nyon.

  • Heavy traffic this Easter

    Heavy traffic is expected across Switzerland over the Easter holiday period, particularly on the A2 Gotthard autoroute and the A13 San Bernardino route from March 27.

Download our app

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play