Namibia scoops silver at London honey show

Namibian farmers Johan and Liezl Lepen tasted the sweet rewards of beekeeping when their honey scooped the second prize at the National Honey Show at the Sandown Park Racecourse in Surrey, London, from 26 to 28 October.

According to the latest issue of the Namibia Agricultural Union’s newsletter, the show celebrated beekeepers from all around the world and the fine art and science of beekeeping.

The National Honey Show received over 2 400 entries from more than 90 countries.

Lepen honey was in Class 9, competing against entries from South Africa, Chile, and Oman, and securing an impressive second place, underlying its superior quality.

This extraordinary event featured nearly 250 competitive classes, where beekeepers could test their skills, knowledge, and the quality of their honey and hive products.

The Lepens embarked on an unforgettable beekeeping journey when a swarm of bees found their home on their farm.

This has led them to enrol in a beginners’ beekeeping course, commencing their journey with a single beehive.

“Soon, one swarm of bees followed another, and they were welcomed with open arms,” the NAU says.

During May, the Beekeeping Association of Namibia hosted a honey-judging and tasting event with support from FNB through the FirstRand Namibia Foundation.

This event was part of a week of activities aimed at raising awarenessin collaboration with the Honey Judges Guild and the South African Beekeeping Industry Organisation.

With the evening proving to be a success, the Beekeeping Association of Namibia encouraged Johan to submit an entry to the National Honey Show.

Although he was not able to attend in person, Johan packaged three jars and sent them to the show for evaluation.

He says the lessons he learnt from this sweet journey are invaluable as bees, with their diligent nature and crucial role in pollination, are a precious gift from nature.

Johan said he hoped more people would embrace beekeeping, recognising it not only as a source of food, but also for its medicinal and ecological significance.

“The true value of bees lies in their vital role in sustaining and ensuring the reproduction of plants, supporting nature, and contributing to the cycle of life,” he said.

The agriculture miniatry, which is responsible for promoting sustainable agriculture, actively supports and participates in the Beekeeping Advisory Board.

According to the NAU newsletter, the ministry will initiate a national survey for the development of the beekeeping industry in 2024 to provide an updated and accurate country report on apiculture.

– email: matthew@nambian.com.na