Gathered in Agen (Lot-et-Garonne), beekeepers report a significant drop in honey production…

Gathered in Agen (Lot-et-Garonne), beekeepers report a significant drop in honey production following a summer marked by extreme heat and a lack of food for bees, considered environmental sentinels.

The 2026 season showed uneven production. After a promising spring with a good harvest, the June heatwave burned flowers, prematurely ending the season, according to Thomas Perronneau and Henri Clément, spokesperson for the National Union of Beekeepers of France (Unaf).

At the European Beekeeping Congress in Agen, beekeepers shared concerns: water stress prevented nectar production and bees ventilated their hives intensely to keep temperatures low, two factors unfavorable to generous honey production.