As part of the project "Bal Ormanı Eylem Planı" (Forest Action Plan for Honey Production) carried out for the development of beekeeping and forest protection, 233 special forests for honey production were established in 64 provinces, so far. According to the General Directorate of Forestry, the main aim of the project is to protect forests, avoid possible problems on beekeeping fields and increase the income of beekeepers between 2013 and 2017. The forests spread across an area of 30.843 hectares. The trees, which were planted by the end of June, are suitable for the region's climate and honey production. A total of 270 honey production forests, which are planned to be established soon, will contribute to decrease the migration and avoid possible problems in forests, prevent erosion, protect biological diversity with the help of pollination and the country's economy.
With the forestation, erosion control, pasture improvements and production and maintenance projects, it will be possible to support protecting and developing flora available for beekeeping and also introducing regulations necessary for migratory beekeeping. Bahri Yılmaz, the President of Turkey's Beekeepers Union, said in his statement to the Anadolu Agency that the Forest Action Plan for Honey Production project will provide big benefits to beekeeping. Yılmaz said that thanks to the project, not only new forest areas will be created but also current forest areas will be rehabilitated. Yılmaz continued, "Many trees such as locust, chestnut and linden trees, which help bees to produce honey, are planted in Central Anatolia, Black Sea and Marmara regions and current production areas are regulated. Important opportunities for the industry's future are provided to migratory beekeepers, especially regarding accommodation." Yılmaz said, "As we know, bees are essential for pollination. That is why, they balance the nature."
Turkey is already the world's second-largest honey producer after China, which produces approximately 90,000 tons of honey annually, according to the report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and 56,000 professional beekeepers have 5.9 million beehives across the country.
