Beekeeper Jose Iturra told local journalists that bees are dying en masse: “There is no life if there are no bees. We wanted to draw attention to that with this demonstration.” The beekeepers wanted to talk to President Piñera.
Higher honey price
The Ministry of Agriculture also says it is concerned about the drought. In recent months, support has already been provided to 20 communities that are suffering from serious water shortages, the ministry says, but the demonstrating beekeepers do not think that is enough. They demand that the government enforce higher prices for their honey, or give more subsidies.
Bee mortality is a major problem worldwide. In addition to climate change, chemical pesticides in agriculture play a major role in this.
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