French honey production drops as heatwaves keep bees in hives

French honey production has declined significantly this year due to extreme heatwaves that impacted both bees and their nectar sources. According to the French National Beekeepers Union, estimated honey yields have dropped to between 18,000 and 20,000 tons, down from the 23,000 to 25,000 tons produced last year. Beekeepers report that the heat caused flowers to wither and vegetation to dry out, while bees reduced their foraging activity to avoid overheating in their hives. Although the season initially showed promise following a mild, wet winter that allowed colonies to begin their work as early as January, the onset of severe heat in May disrupted these conditions. Spokesperson Henri Clément noted that such unpredictable weather patterns not only hinder harvest predictability but also weaken overall bee health. The harvest cycle in France typically spans from March until November, but current climatic instability has made the industry increasingly fragile and difficult for producers to manage.