Bees are renowned for safeguarding the biodiversity of any ecosystem and Lebanon has about 6,000 beekeepers producing 1,000-1,400 tons of honey annually using 200-250 bee hives. Considering its size, that amount is considered quite significant. However, Prof. Chadi Hosri, Head of Veterinary Medicine at the Lebanese University Faculty of Agriculture explained, “There is a general misconception related to the raising of bees and honey production. This is especially important in the F&B industry as it presents a major step in ensuring higher food safety standards. Also, the potential of exporting locally-manufactured honey is not possible at the moment as most producers do no adhere to international market standards. To assist in this matter, we established HOSCO Agri, which is a unique company to Lebanon specializing in the beekeeping field. Based in Keserwan, its mission is to help and educate the country’s beekeepers, improve the quality of the beehives’ products, promote good beekeeping practices through training, spread awareness on the critical role that honey bees play and educate the consumer on the benefits of honey and beekeeping products. In addition to the services offered, we also sterilize, treat and recycle all natural beeswax from beekeepers based on international quality standards and norms using the latest model of the Rietsche Fully Automatic Beeswax Foundation Machine. Though it will take some time to get the honey up to standard, however, I am fairly certain we will get there in good time.”

hoscoagri.com