OECS to launch apiculture policy this week

Published on September 29, 2025

The OECS, through the EU-funded BioSPACE Programme, has been working with regional partners to develop a common apiculture policy.

This landmark policy will be launched during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture in St. Kitts and Nevis (September 29 – October 3, 2025), which coincides with the 9th OECS Council of Ministers on Agriculture.

Bees are vital pollinators that support our ecosystems, sustain fruit production, and secure the livelihoods of many across OECS Member States.

This new apiculture policy will help protect these essential creatures while strengthening the sustainability of an important sector in our economies.

The policy is likely to establish common regional standards to protect bee populations, enhance fruit production and food security, and support the livelihoods of farmers and communities by improving quality, pest management, and access to resources.

The policy will also focus on financing and aim to promote biodiversity, build regional resilience against climate change, and create a competitive advantage for OECS member states in the global apiculture market.