Beekeeping in the Caribbean


 Richard A. Breyer
 Box 157, Stephenson, MI 49887


 The potential for the production of honey and related pro-
ducts for the Caribbean is great. The climate, flora and de-
mand for an economical, locally produced sweetener provide
an ideal setting for expanded production. Start-up and on-
going expenses are minimal compared to most agricultural
endeavors. Although management is needed, anyone with a
desire can learn the necessary skills. Recently, a technical
assistance program between Dominica and Michigan State
University catalyzed developments for the industry on that


 E. Harris and T. Sorhaindo
 Ministry of Agriculture
 Roseau, Dominica

island. Field level Agriculture Extension Agents from the two
countries worked together to identify potential producers,
provide training, and encourage the development of producer
support systems. Such a technical assistance program could be
continued with Extension Agents and experienced volunteer
beekeepers who would help local beekeepers improve their
skills, create new products and reteach other beginning
beekeepers. A joint program to pool expertise and interests
could be developed and is worth exploring.


 A sweetner is a universal need. The honey bee is, and will con-
tinue to be a source of sweetner. The honey bee has the ability to
successfully make a sweetner from the nectar of flowers with but
limited expense and guidance from man.
 It appears there is room for all Caribbean nations to increase
production of honey and bee products. Their setting is great; the
opportunity exists that this industry can become an important
part of all Caribbean nations' small farming efforts. The Carib-
bean has the flora, climate, and most important, is virtually a
disease-free environment for the honey bee. The Africanized bee
has not invaded most of the Caribbean Island nations. These
distinct advantages give a solid base upon which to build.
 The economics of honey production for family use are
favorable. Honey can be used as a sugar substitute. Based on the
Dominican honey prices of September 1983, and the potential
production from that nation's bee industry, a colony of bees
could produce approximately 200 pounds per year with a retail
value of over $1,000 Eastern Caribbean currency (EC). Even at
the depressed U.S. prices of honey, the value of one colony in
production in Dominica would be approximately $540 EC.
 Typing honey would give these nations the opportunity to in-
crease foreign exports. There is a demand in other nations of the
world for tropical honey. Types of honey, or blends of tropical
honey could become a novelty produced in the Caribbean and
marketed in other nations of the world. Good marketing efforts
are necessary and need further development. Becoming a
beekeeper is rather inexpensive, especially when we compare it to
most other agricultural endeavors. At present in the Caribbean,
honey production is the most economical, reliable agricultural
enterprise. The basic equipment, a hive tool, smoker and veil,
costs about $65 EC $24 U.S. The cost of a complete hive is about
$400 EC, or $148 U.S. Therefore, the basic equipment necessary
for one hive is approximately $465 EC or $172 U.S. Production
from one hive the first year should range between 6 and 10
gallons. The second year the production should increase to its full
potential range of 12 to 20 gallons. At the current price of $75 EC
per gallon, this would indicate a return to a Dominican
beekeeper of a range of $1,400 to $2,250 EC, or $521 to $833
U.S. per hive.
 After the basic equipment expenses and extractor rental, the
cost of production would be $467 EC or $173 U.S. This would
give a net over a two-year period of $348 to $660 U.S. These
figures do not take into consideration any transportation charges,
home use of honey, and other miscellaneous costs such as bottles.


66


Currently, discarded beer and liquor bottles are used. This
substantiates the fact that the small farmer, by integrating a col-
ony of bees into his farming system, can increase the well being of
his family through the use of honey for his own family diet, by
selling it, or a combination of the two.
 Beekeeping does not deplete the soil nor reduce the country's
resources. It adds to the well being of agriculture by its presence.
Trees produce more fruit, plants more flowers, and bees as
pollinators increase the success of most agricultural crops.
 With a personal desire and persistence, most anyone can learn
the basic skills of beekeeping in just a few lessons. These basic
skills, along with the guidance of an experienced person such as
an Extension Bee Officer, makes success possible.
 Early in 1983, Mary Andrews, Michigan State University Direc-
tor of International Extension Training, was contacted by Errol
Harris, Deputy Chief Agriculture Officer, Ministry of
Agriculture, Division of Agriculture, Dominica, for assistance to
revitalize and further develop the Dominican bee industry.
Therefore, my mission to work with existing beekeepers and to
train new beekeepers in Dominica developed.
 My background is in general agriculture. In Michigan, my
responsibility is County Extension Director for Menominee Coun-
ty, Michigan. This is where beekeeping became a hobby for me.
The Upper Peninsula has a lot of agriculture and could be
classified as a small.farm area.
 After arriving in Dominica, the local Extension Officers ar-
ranged a tour of the entire island so that I would become better
acquainted with their bee industry, agriculture and Dominican
people. Through these same officers, an awareness program using
radio, newspaper and word of mouth was conducted to identify
Dominicans that were interested in beekeeping. This was com-
pleted during the first week spent in Dominica. During this time
existing beekeepers were identified and a personal visit was made
to each to become acquainted, answer questions, discuss tech-
niques and their problems. We also talked about markets for
honey and determined local beekeepers' needs. A mailing list was
developed an an inventory of hives and equipment of each
beekeeper was completed. Information was also gathered to
determine how large the industry could expand. Based on these
visits and the information gathered, three sessions for the experi-
enced beekeepers were scheduled. A general session was held for
them to become acquainted and for me to present some tech-
niques that they may consider adopting. It appeared that
management should be refined before production would in-

 PROCEEDINGS of the CARIBBEAN FOOD CROPS SOCIETY-VOL. XX