Meliponiculture, the practice of raising stingless bees, is expanding in Rio Grande do Sul

Meliponiculture, the practice of raising stingless bees, is expanding in Rio Grande do Sul. A 2024 survey by the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Sustainable Production, and Irrigation (Seapi) found over 16,000 families involved in this activity. Most production is for self-consumption, and nearly 40% of producers did not earn income from it.

In June 2026, the first batch of melipona honey from Rio Grande do Sul was packaged with a Federal Inspection Service (SIF) registration, allowing sales nationwide and abroad. This formal certification enables producers to sell honey officially, promoting production statewide and enhancing product value, according to Emater rural extension agent Samuel Sperandio.