Market for Propolis, Venom Grows in South Africa

Bee-Farming Project Causing a Buzz for Trainees
By Athane Scholtz, The Herald (South Africa), 2/24/2006

THE pilot project of an innovative bee-farming initiative that might possibly create endless job opportunities, this week got under way with the training of 17 former forestry workers to become bee farmers in the Wilderness National Park.

The project is already lauded as the new hope for communities that have been left jobless after the discontinuation of government pine forestry functions on the Garden Route a few years ago.

Trainees from forestry communities in Rheenendal, Karatara, Farleigh and Kraaibos yesterday said they were initially skeptical about the promises made regarding a community project that could create money and jobs. . .

The pilot project will start with harvesting of honey and propolis, but other products such as wax, venom and pollen can be added when appropriate. . .

“The market for honey, and by-products such as propolis, beeswax and venom, continues to grow and South Africa needs to produce much more for local and possible international demands.”