UPA-UCE Extremadura calls for immediate action to address beekeeping crisis.

The UPA-UCE Extremadura, a professional agricultural organization, has called for urgent action regarding the "serious crisis" affecting the beekeeping industry and agriculture in the region. They are advocating for a dedicated support plan for beekeeping, measures against blue tongue disease, and assistance for those impacted by the Las Hurdes fire. At a press conference in Mérida, livestock secretary Jamaica Risco urged public authorities, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Junta de Extremadura, to implement immediate measures to address production declines, rising costs from the Eastern War, and losses from adverse weather and high hive mortality due to the bee-eater. Production has reportedly dropped by about 50%, with transhumance costs significantly increasing.