Honey production of the Mayans in the Yucatan. Peninsula

Transcription

1 Honey production of the Mayans in the Yucatan Peninsula INTRODUCTION This article describes the production conditions of the Mayan beekeepers in the Yucatan Peninsula for the purpose of presenting information that aids in the understanding of the problems confronting them and the causes behind their economic lag. The logic of family survival economics promulgates distinct characteristics from those that can be observed in a market economy. Beekeeping, as practiced in the Yucatan Peninsula, is very important for a large number of Mayans who have inherited this practice from the pre-hispanic era. Never the less, little is known regarding the conditions of the 16,000 beekeepers facing the effects of globalization nor the changes which it has brought about.

2 In this study, production characteristics have been analyzed, as well as, the current regional market conditions for honey. This article encompasses the findings of two years of visits across the entire Peninsula. In addition, it has condensed the results of more than 600 interviews conducted with both conventional and organic honey producers. THE YUCATAN PENINSULA The Yucatan Peninsula is situated between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea and has a 1,100 kilometers along the coast. It occupies 197,000 square kilometers and encompasses southwest Mexico. The type of climate in the Peninsula is Aw, which correspond to a hot subhumid with a rainy period during the summer, varies between dry and hot in the North and more humid in the more southern areas. The majority of the Mayan and mestizos still live in the Yucatán Peninsula. The part of the Yucatan Peninsula that belongs to Mexico is made up of 2

3 the states of Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatan. It is a region rich in natural resources and is has important natural reserve zones such as: Reserva de la biósfera de Sian Ka an (Sian Ka an Biosphere Reserve) in the state of Quintana Roo and the Reserva de Calakmul (Calakmul Reserve) in the state of Campeche 21. THE IMPORTANCE OF BEEKEEPING IN THE REGION The exploitation of bees has a long tradition in Mexico, mainly in the southeastern portion of the country, where it has been practiced even before the arrival of the Spaniards in the Americas. Beekeeping experienced a huge transformation as a result of a change in the variety of the native bee, Melipona beecheii, which was predominantly replaced by the Apis species that the Spanish introduced upon their arrival in the 16 th century. 12 Actually, the main productive zone of the sweetener honey can be found in the Yucatan Peninsula (Fig. 1) 5. 3

4 Most farmers in the Yucatan Peninsula practice beekeeping and, for many of them this activity represents the only source of cash income. Other activities such as hunting, agriculture, and livestock rearing are mainly for home consumption, They also offer manual labor services for offer. 23 It is important to note that for the last ten years honey production has been decreasing. The Yucatan Peninsula is the most important honey production region in Mexico 4, however, the consumption level per capita is low (200 gr per year). In this document we analyzed our research results on honey production, the honey market and consumption. In the Yucatan, a large portion (95%) of the production is destined for the international market 2. There is a low per capita honey consumption rate among the Mexican population. The beekeepers in the Yucatan have come to realize reduced productivity and benefits as a result of many factors. Among these factors include the arrival of the African bee (Apis mellífera), the presence of the parasite Varroa destructor, long term low honey prices 4

5 in the international market in comparison to production costs, climatic effects, lack of organization on the part of the producers and limited production capacity for certification and diversification of products 23. Beekeeping is an important activity due to the socio-economic and social welfare benefits that it represents for the nearly 16,300 small honey producers (90% Mayan farm hands) in the rural sector that depend upon it. The majority of the beekeepers in the Yucatan Peninsula are small producers of Mayan origin (90%) whose incomes depend to a large degree on the sale of honey 23. Beekeeping as an activity has to do with a different logic other than one of market economies since it is no longer practiced in order to obtain huge economic benefits, that is to say, it represents a family survival activity handed down from Mayan 18. Today, the economic benefits of beekeeping have diminished. With the accelerated pace of globalization, and the market problems of the last 5

6 four years mainly with respect to dropping international prices the benefits to the family economics have been reduced 10,6,5. OTHER PRODUCTS OF BEEKEEPING In the state of Yucatan and the rest of the peninsula, beekeeping activity is mainly characterized by indigenous peoples with very limited economic resources collecting honey on a small scale and little if any other activities involving by-products are engaged in or included in the commercialization process 7. The production of beekeeping by-products is scarce in the Peninsula. The official registry of statistics shows production of 2,500 tons of wax, 700 kilograms of royal jelly, 22 kilograms of pollen, and 390 kilograms of Propolis. There is no registry regarding levels of venom production 19, 20, 22. The beekeeping programes from each state of the Secretary of agriculture, livestock, natural resources and fisheries 19, 20, 22 mention that 6

7 the demand for these products is met either by products from other states in the country or Chinese imports. Such is the case with royal jelly. It sells for $45.00 USD per kilogram, a price which is USD$5.00 below the regions production costs. DIVERSITY OF THE NECTAR PRODUCING SPECIES In the Yucatan Peninsula, there are important nectar and polliniferous species which are endemic to the region. The honey collected in the Yucatan Peninsula comes from 40 different nectar producing flowering species according to research conducted by Villanueva 23,24,25. It is feasible to certify the honey based on the origin among these diverse species, which for the European market, would give a value added of at least 20%. The main species visited according to the results of these investigations are: tahonal (Viguiera dentata), chechem (Metopium brownei), dzidzilché (Gymnopodium floribundum), chaká (Bursera simaruba), kaan-chunub (Thouinia canesceras), sak-piixoy (Trema micrantha), salam (Lysiloma latisiliquum). 7

8 It is notable the few beekeepers (less than 6%) that move their hives to different sites in order to take advantage of different flowerings. Many apiaries are installed at a distance of more than 5 kilometers from the house (more than 60%). This is for security purposes and also because the sources for nectar and pollen are not always found nearby 6. The average color of the honey varies greatly according to the nectar species it comes from and also the age of the honey. Generally there is greater demand for a clear amber colored honey which has a perception of higher quality in the mind of the consumer. The main honey meeting this requirement originates from the dzidzilché species. As a rule, the honey from the Yucatan Peninsula are not separated according to their botanical origin. They are mixed and thus hindering the ability to utilize a value added concept. However, honey from the tahonal and dzizilché species and other highly nectefarious species, mentioned earlier, could be considered as monofloral based on the melissopalynological studies of Villanueva (1994) 25 and Arana (2002) 1 which estimate the percentage of pollen TAXA, this which would give then a higher commercial value and their price could be increased as 8

9 much as 100%. In order to produce this unifloral honey, beekeepers would have to improve their management and harvest techniques. Echazarreta González et al. 7 and Miel Mex 13, indicate that the collection of the honey begins with the flowering in the months of January and February and the volumes increase through the months of March to June. In this first six months 95% of the total honey production is obtained. The remaining 5% is obtained in the second half of the year. In the months of December, January and February, the Tahonal (Viguiera dentata) is the highest nectar and pollen producer plant. In March and April the honey of the dzidzilché is the most nectariferous plant. From, April to May the trees such as Tzalam (Lysiloma latisiliquum) and Jabín (Piscidia piscipula) are the most visited by the bees. The source of honey in November and Dicember comes from the vines such as Serjania yucatanensis, Serjania sp. and Thouinia canesceras 23,24. It is calculated that in the last few months (October and November) the production reaches some 500 tons on the average per year 6. 9

10 Beekeeping has been fundamental for the conservation of the biodiversity since the bees activity of nectar seeking pollinates and infinity of plants 14. The use of the African bee in commercial plantations is rare in the Yucatan since pollination is not as necessary as it is in other regions in the world due to an abundance of various other pollinating agents. HONEY PRODUCTION IN THE YUCATAN PENINSULA According to the data from SAGARPA-CEA (2001) 17, the Yucatan Peninsula represents 32% of the total volume of honey produced in Mexico. This represents a quantity of about 17,541 tons of some of the highest quality honey production for the international market and which establishes this region as an important beekeeping area in the country and the world 5. It is important to mention the differences that are noted in relation to the particular producers who obtain greater incomes per year as a result of greater productivity and diversification of activity. In the case of the Yucatan Peninsula, according our estimates, from states goverment 10

11 data 19, 20, 22,, the traditional beekeepers, which have 25 hives with an average return of 30 Kilograms of honey per year, report incomes of between USD$ USD$ annually. Typically, this is the only source of income since beekeeping is a complimentary activity as already mentioned above (Fig. 2). The fall in the beekeeping production might be explained by the effect of different factors such as the Africanization and the presence of the Varroa parasite, also there has been an effect in the years with reported hurricanes such as Opal and Roxana according to Villanueva and Collí 22. More recently, with the threasts of hurricanes Keith, Mitch, Gilberto and Isidoro significant reduction in production has been registered. In 2002, the hurricane Isidore reduced the total number of hives in the Peninsula by 50% (Fig.3) 7,19,20. One unpredictable problem is the effect of climate on the flowering that varies from year to year. In 1996, there was a period of excess cold at the beginning of the year and the tahonal flowers dried up and a poor harvest resulted. In addition, some of the techniques established in critical periods, such as the introduction of the European queens during 11

12 the first years of the Africanization have not brought results. Supplemental feeding of the colonies is limited and it s results are reflected in weakness, mortality and swarming of the colonies 6. Manuel Estrada (personal communication), mentions that another important factor to consider in the reduction in beekeeping activity is the age of the producers. They are adults whose ages fluctuate between 43 and 47 years. As the price of honey offers little attraction, the youth have been obligated to abandon the activity and move to towns and tourist areas to sell their labor. The honey inventory of SAGARPA ( ) in the last five years shows a certain constancy in terms of the beekeeping activity with an average of 579,698 total hives in the Peninsula (Fig. 4) 16,19,20. The SAGARPA-CEA 17 reported that for 2001 based on the production estimates, the exports represent an economic income of about US$12,000,000 per year on an average. This places beekeeping as one of the most important activities in the Peninsula for generating the second largest foreign currency after tourism. 12

13 At the same time is necessary to update the production techniques and administrative processes on the part of the producers in order to obtain the quality of honey demanded in the market. COSTS OF PRODUCTION IN THE YUCATAN PENINSULA According to data obtained from interviews with beekeepers in 2002 across the Peninsula, it was found that with an average of 30 hives as a minimum (considering depreciation costs), the typical production had an average cost of $0.640 USD per kilogram of honey produced. In contrast, the cost of production for the organic honey for the same number of hives, increased to $0.83 USD per kilogram. Comparing these costs with the prices paid to the Mayan producer in the regional market, it is evident that there is greater investment and reduced benefits in the production of organic honey whose price is $1.40 USD per kilogram. In addition, the price paid for conventional honey reached $2.3 USD per kilogram due to factors in the international market. 13

14 COLLECTION CENTERS According to the Beekeeping Programs of the government of the states of Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana Roo there are around 40 large honey collection centers. At the same time, they report about 80 more small improvised ones. As a result, it is difficult to maintain exact control of the information regarding the honey production and what is collected in the centers by a significant number of private intermediaries that register (Fig. 5) Six collection centers exist that function like bottling businesses. A good part of the honey which is produced in the states of Quintana Roo and Campeche is transported and sold in the Yucatan in a clandestine fashion. As such, the honey is reported as honey produced in the state of Yucatan. From the port of Progreso in Yucatan the honey is exported to Europe and other countries which buy our honey

15 THE HONEY BUSINESS IN THE YUCATAN PENINSULA From the pre-hispanic eras the Mayans have commercialized honey from the stingless bee: Melipona beecheii (Xunan-Cab in Mayan). Honey was used as money and has been the object of intense commercialization that was carried out from Tabasco to Honduras and Nicaragua by sea (Ulúa), as well as, with the Aztec Empire. In exchange for honey and wax, the Mayans probably received Cocoa beans and precious stones 11. HONEY IN BULK FOR THE EXPORT MARKET The honey of the Peninsula is exported mainly in drums of 300 kilograms to Germany (70 %), Switzerland (12%), and England (9%), and the rest (9%) to Italy, The Philippines, Belgium, Holland and Saudi Arabia 15. From 1994 it has been exported to Saudi Arabia and in 1995 exportation to the Philippines was initiated 17. In 2001 work began to negotiate through Bancomext to export bottled honey to the United States. 15

16 The exporting activity has a marked dependency on a reduced number of intermediaries that monopolize the honey exports, including those of the Yucatan Peninsula. The exports of honey from the Yucatan reach their maximum level during the first seven months of the year, from January to July. According to Berrón, A 4 some 81% is exported during this period, in May, the honey exports reach their highest level (18%) of any month during the year, in September and October register null exports 7. Then, at the end of the year in the months of November and December combined, the exports represent 15% of the years total exports (Fig 6) 4. As a result, a serious situation exists for beekeepers in the Yucatan Peninsula. Control is maintained by means of the price of the honey in the market in the face of a lack of new methods to commercialize, for the lack of development of markets for the by-products from the beekeeping activity, and lack of value added that could be given directly to the honey 22, 8. 16

17 Although it is certain that organizational and regulatory efforts over prices on the part of the producers organizations exist, there still lacks much to do in terms of quality and, above all, in the areas of marketing materials and commercialization. The experience of the Mayan Beekeepers Society is important in this regard. Training seems to be an important factor, as well, in the resolution of the problems of the producers. The registered prices since 1995 to date have been very low and better conditions for the beekeepers cannot be guaranteed. Prices vary from one locality to another depending either on the intermediary and the efforts of the organizations, or on the producers direct sale to the intermediaries with the end being improving the prices. The average prices have fluctuated from $0.5 USD per kilogram in 1995 all the way to a maximum of $2.3 USD per kilogram in 2003 (Fig. 7). There was a tendency downward in prices from 1998 to 2001, supposedly attributed to the competition of honey from Argentina and China in the international markets, according to the intermediaries in the regional markets. 17

18 It is noticeable that in the current year 2003, the price of honey has increased to $2.3 USD per kilogram due to the fact that the European market has closed its doors to Chinese and Argentinean imports. This is a result of failure to meet the new quality standards set in the new food CODEX of the European Economic Union which went into effect on August 2, To this can be added the damages as a result of the hurricane Isidore. This event affected the Yucatan Peninsula in October 2002 and reduced the number of hives, subsequently reducing the supply. BOTTLING AND INDUSTRIAL CONSUMPTION OF HONEY IN THE YUCATAN PENINSULA The data registered by SAGARPA 16,4, shows that the Yucatan Peninsula exported mainly to the European market. Of the 17,541 tons produced, only 8% went to a different destination. The honey consumed by the industry barely in the Peninsula represents 0.5% (88 tons), while 2.4% was used in brand names with and without labeling. Another 900 tons (5.1%) was bottled in glass or plastics recipients for traditional local 18

19 retail sales (bottles of Coca-Cola or wine: ¾ liters or greater and in Pet containers) (Fig. 8). For this year, nine new companies have registered as bottlers with private capital in the Yucatan Peninsula. Some of these have gained market share in the international market with original bottled honey (Fig.9) 3. Discussion In concordance with Villanueva and Collí 23 in order to strengthen the beekeeping industry and it s commercialization in Quintana Roo it is necessary to consider the botanical origins and the honey quality of the honey produced for the purposes of marketing. Determining the botanical origin allows for the penetration of new domestic and international markets with a higher value added component and in turn, higher prices (at least 20% higher) and benefits for the beekeeping industry. 19

20 It is necessary to improve the production process and analyze the feasibility of producing organic honey. The Yucatan has a relative abundance of nectar-polliniferous resources in it s natural reserve areas in the northeast, east, center and southern parts of the peninsula. The industry needs improvements in it s infrastructure in the areas of production. Beyond this, the organizational and management capacity of the beekeepers requires additional efforts. To achieve the previous, it is essential to develop a much more productive and organized beekeeping industry in the Yucatan that is more integrated and with greater technical acumen. This would allow the industry to elevate production volumes and benefit from economies of scale. It is also important to estimate the real return for the beekeeper from the production of organic honey, since over the last years the tendency has been for the regional price to stagnate. It is estimated that this tendency will continue. Meanwhile, the prices of standard honey have reached higher prices. 20

21 The prices paid in the international market for organic honey do not reflect the real cost of production. If the opportunity cost of abandoning other activities in order to dedicate the time and effort required to produce organic honey is taken into consideration, the situation is even more severe 14. Beekeeping is not profitable on a small, technically reduced scale. This is the situation for the majority of the Mayan or rural beekeepers. The numbers for a beekeeper with fewer hives can result in losses. Producing organic honey is not profitable for the Mayan beekeeper. In an effort to meet the required standards, any extra profit is absorbed. As a result, it is wiser to continue producing conventional honey. The effort of investing labor and time in his hives represents, for the Mayan beekeeper, a savings translated into income on the sale of his honey. One needs to understand that his logic responds to a different set of goals than a producer in a market economy. The Mayan beekeepers still operate under a survival approach to economics inherited from their ancestors. Food is obtained from their crops and 21

22 animals. For them the sale of honey means the opportunity to acquire clothes, medicines and the chance to pay debts 7,9,18. We shouldn t destroy or substitute their current form of subsistence through a combination of different activities for a logic of specialization in one single activity. This would leave them too vulnerable to market problems such as the one facing the Coffee growers in other parts of Mexico. Regarding the international market, the closing of Europe s markets to honey from China and Argentina has benefited the Mayan beekeepers to some extent. On the other hand, the international market demand for organic honey exceeds the supply. These products enjoy a considerable value added value in the markets of Germany, England, Holland, France, Switzerland and Saudi Arabia. Never the less, one should not think that this offers many benefits, unless the number of intermediaries can be reduced. The organic concept does not imply a control measurement that of itself affects the vulnerable producers in this case the Mayans. They have 22

23 very little understanding of this and in large measure come closer to natural conditions of production with a truly ecological concept of obtaining honey and other products. In the end, they do live immersed in the jungle and have learned to live side by side with nature, and have for a long time. However, the effect of globalization on the economy of the Mayan in the Yucatan is taking it s toll. The traditional custom of youth giving continuity to the communities is diminishing. They are seeking opportunities elsewhere and abandoning their traditional heritage. The diversification of beekeeping products such as pollen, royal jelly, Propoleum, wax and bee venom is not only feasible but necessary. The development of by-products for the producers is essential. Raising prices and reducing costs will not be sufficient in the face of the low levels of production and current market conditions. The marketing practices of bottling, labeling, promotion, etc. in combination with certification can help meet the international market demand. These practices represent a huge potential for the Mayan beekeepers in the region. However, in order to achieve this strategy, 23

24 they require a strong effort in the areas of training, infrastructure and capital since the private initiatives have gained ground in these areas. REFERENCES: 1. Arana, G. (2002) Relación entre el análisis fisicoquímico y el análisis palinológico de las mieles de la Península de Yucatán. MSc. Thesis. Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida Yucatán, México.98pp. 2. Apimex (2001) Home Page. Revista electrónica Bancomext (2002) Directorio de exportadores (DIEX). Oficinas regionales en Mérida, Yucatán. Interview regarding consultation of the world honey market, exports of the Yucatán. Mérida, Yucatán, México. 4. Berrón A. F. (1999) Situación de la Comercialización de la Miel Mexicana. Memorias del primer foro de proyectos integrales: Sistema producto miel. México, agosto de CONACYT-SISIERRA. UADY. Yucatán. México, 73 pp. 5. Cajero-Aguilar, S (2001) SAGARPA. Situación actual y perspectiva de la apicultura Resumen ejecutivo. WEB page: Coordination of the National African Bee Control Program. México, D.F. 24

25 6. Echazarreta-González (1999) Caracterización de la apicultura en la Península de Yucatán. Memorias del primer foro de proyectos integrales: Sistema producto miel. México, agosto de Sisierra/UADY. Mérida, Yucatán México. pp Echazarreta-González, C and Quezada-Euan J.J.G. (1997) Beekeping in the Yucatán Península. Bee World, 78 (3): Güemes Ricalde, F. and Villanueva G, R. (2002) Características de la apicultura en Quintana Roo y del mercado de sus productos. Conacyt-Sisierra- UQROO-ECOSUR. Quintana Roo. Mexico. 30 pp 9.Güemes Ricalde, F., Villanueva G, R and Echazarreta-González, C. (2003) Condiciones de la apicultura en Yucatán y del mercado de sus productos Conacyt-Sisierra, UADY-UQROO. Yucatán. Mexico. In print 10. Güemes Ricalde, F y Pat Fernández, J. (2001) Condiciones actuales de la apicultura en el estado de Campeche. Conacyt-Sisierra-UQROO-ECOSUR. Campeche. México. 32 pp 11. Labougle R, J. and Zozaya J, A. (1986) La Apicultura en México. Ciencia y Desarrollo 12 (69): Landa, F.D. (1550) Relaciones de las cosas de Yucatán. Porrúa, México. 252 pp 13. Miel Mex, S. A. de C.V. (2001) Inventario de estadísticas. Chetumal, Quintana Roo. Mexico. 25

26 14. Munguía, G. M. (1999) La experiencia de organización de los pequeños productores de miel de América Latina a partir del Trabajo Conjunto de EDUCE y Kabitah en Campeche, PAUAL. Memorias del primer foro de proyectos integrales: Sistema producto miel. México, agosto de Conacyt-Sisierra-UADY, Merida Yucatan. Mexico. 87 pp 15. Paxton R, J. (1992) Africanized honey bee:new ideas in honey bee biology. In: J.B. Free (ed) Keeping Bees. Central Association of beekeppers publications UK. pp SAGARPA (2002) Información Estadística del Censo Apícola en la Península de Yucatán. SAGARPA, México. 17. SAGARPA-(CEA) (2001) Información Apícola en México México. 18. Sands D.M. (1984) The Mixed subsistence-commercial production system in the peasant economy of Yucatán, México: An Anthropological Study in Commercial Beekeeping. PhD thesis. Cornell University. USA. 551 pp 19. Secretaría de Desarrollo Rural y Pesca (2002) Base de datos estadística. Programa apícola de Yucatán, México. 20. SEDARI (2001). Base de datos estadística Dir. de especies menores. Chetumal, Quintana Roo. México Secretaría de Turismo. (2002). Maps of Yucatan. Home page: México. 26

27 22. Tron, L. (2001). SAGARPA. Censo Apícola. Base de datos de la Coordinación para el control de la abeja africana en el estado de Campeche, México 23. Villanueva G. R and Collí Ucan, W (1996). La Apicultura en la Península de Yucatán, México y sus Perspectivas. Folia Entomológica mexicana. México. 97.: Villanueva, G. R. (2001). Calidad Polinífera de las mieles en Quintana Roo. Memorias del XIV Seminario de Apicultura. Tepic, Nayarit. Mexico. 25. Villanueva, G. R. (1994) Néctar sources of European and Africanized honeybees (Apis mellífera L.) in the Yucatán Península, México. Journal of Apicultural Research 33 (1):

28 AUTHORS: Francisco. J. Güemes Ricalde* Rogel Villanueva G.** Karen Diane Eaton *** *El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Chetumal, Q Roo Juan José Siordia 230-A esq. Independ. Col. David Gustavo Gutiérrez Chetumal, Q Roo. México CP E mail: fragueme@correo.uqroo.mx ** El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Chetumal Apdo. Postal 424, Chetumal, Q Roo. México. CP rogel@ecosur-qroo.mx *** Universidad de Quintana Roo-México Boulevard Bahía S/N Chetumal, Q Roo. México CP77019 keaton@correo.uqroo.mx 28

29 LIST OF FIGURES Fig. 1 Productive activities which compliment beekeeping in the Yucatan Peninsula Fig. 2 Average number of hives per beekeeper in 2002, in the zone with the densest Mayan population located in the Yucatan Peninsula Source: SAGARPA y Salazar, 2002 Fig. 3 Production of honey in the Yucatan Peninsula (tons) Source: From the data base of SAGARPA(2002) Fig. 4 Inventory of hives in the Yucatan Peninsula Source: From the data base of SAGARPA (2002) Fig. 5 Honey receiving centers Installations of two intermediaries in Valladolid, Yucatan 2002 Fig. 6 Break-down of honey exports by month in the Yucatan Peninsula 29

30 Source: Compiled from the database of SAGARPA, 2002 Fig. 7. Evolution of Prices and average payments to the producers in the Peninsula of Yucatan (US dollars/kilogram) Source: Composed from the database of intermediaries and the SSS Apícola Maya de Yucatán (2002) Fig. 8. Traditional local retail sales in the Peninsula of Yucatan Indigenous Mayan in local market of Mérida, City Fig. 9 Honey bottled from local businesses of the Yucatan present in the export market Source: Images from Businesses on the Internet and Bancomext,