2023-07-07 11:30:00
– Beekeeping is a story of passion and challenges
Honey and bees will also be honored at Agri.Fête. Meeting with the president of the Geneva Beekeeping Federation, Pascal Crétard.
Posted today at 1:30 p.m.
“You don’t become a beekeeper in a snap. It’s a job that takes time and is expensive! says Pascal Crétard, president of the Geneva Beekeeping Federation.
STEEVE IUNCKER-GOMEZ
A little over fifteen years ago, Pascal Crétard received a beehive for his birthday. An event that marks the beginning of his passion. Today president of the Geneva Beekeeping Federation, he has been running a beekeeping business in the heart of the town of Collex-Bossy for eight years and owns close to a hundred hives spread over the canton.
“The beekeeping situation in Geneva is good! Everyone can make honey at their level, which is reassuring.”
Pascal Crétard, President of the Geneva Beekeeping Federation
These allow him to harvest twice a year. “In the spring, we get a flower honey, mainly rapeseed, and in summer, it’s the turn of a more leafy honey”, explains this enthusiast. After a poor spring harvest, the beekeeper wants to be confident for the one to come.
Challenges to overcome
In Geneva, there are officially 280 beekeepers. “But unofficially, we are approaching 380”, underlines Pascal Crétard. A situation that pleases him: “The beekeeping situation in Geneva is good! Everyone can make honey at their level, which is reassuring.”
Despite this, production does not increase over the years, quite the contrary. “The effects of global warming are real,” said the president. A problem to which must be added the loss of territories in favor of new constructions and the presence of pests such as varroa mites and the Asian hornet. All this leads to a reduction in production.”
Discover the world of bees
And Pascal Crétard warns those who would be tempted to embark on the adventure. Despite the passion for the profession, “one does not become a beekeeper in a snap of the fingers. It’s a job that takes time and is expensive!
This weekend, during the Fête de l’agriculture, those interested will be able to learn more about this work, as well as about the life of bees. Young and old will have the opportunity to ask their questions, listen to the presentations, admire the magnificent educational panels and take part in various workshops, such as the one on making beeswax candles. And for the greediest, honey will of course be available.
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