In a historic event for Yucatecan beekeeping, the Mayan Renaissance is promoting a new phase in beekeeping production with the announcement of a honey processing plant in Valladolid, representing a federal investment of 60 million pesos as part of the Beekeeping Renaissance program.
New beekeeping plant will transform the honey landscape in Yucatán
Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena led the initial launch of the program and explained that this new plant will include a laboratory, a processing plant, and a specialized area for export.
The infrastructure will have the capacity to bottle the “Miel Bienestar” product, which will consolidate Yucatán as a national and international benchmark in beekeeping innovation.
The Mayan Renaissance program is promoting a new phase in beekeeping production and will directly benefit 300 honey producers in 12 municipalities, strengthening the economic fabric of rural areas.
“We want producers to organize, form cooperatives, and market their honey directly. No more middlemen taking the profit,” Díaz Mena emphasized.
During the event held at the Fernando Novelo Sports Complex, more than a thousand supplies were delivered to beekeepers, including hive boxes, sugar, gloves, and more.
Growing Beekeeping: An Economic Engine for 11,000 Families
Yucatán is Mexico’s leading honey producer and one of the world’s largest exporters. However, the sector has historically lagged behind.
The Governor emphasized that this will change with the “Mayan Renaissance Government,” which will promote long-term strategies to strengthen the value chains of Yucatecan honey.
Harvesting Sovereignty: Technical Advice and Field Training
Thanks to the support of the federal government through the Harvesting Sovereignty program, beekeepers are receiving technical advice directly in their apiaries.
These training sessions, provided through field schools, will improve the quality of the product, giving it greater value in national and international markets.
Comprehensive Support for Municipalities and Rural Producers
The governor also announced that support will soon be provided for harvesting roads, water infrastructure, machinery, marketing, as well as the construction of classrooms, school domes, roads, and 500 homes in coordination with CONAVI.
Shared Financing: State and Producers Commit Together
The Secretary of Rural Development, Edgardo Medina Rodríguez, explained that the program has a regional focus, with six state-level deliveries under a model where the State Government covers 60% of the cost and producers the remaining 40%.
“We want to guarantee the quality, safety, and added value of honey through certifications that allow it to position itself in the most demanding markets,” added Medina Rodríguez.
Presidential Commitment: Fair Prices and National Distribution
Iván Rico López, representative of the Ministry of Well-being, confirmed that this beekeeping initiative is part of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s 66th commitment. This policy seeks to guarantee fair prices for agricultural products such as honey, coffee, and chocolate.
Thirty tons of honey have already been collected in Chocholá at a price of 70 pesos per kilo for distribution to the 25,000 Well-being Stores across the country.
Next Steps: Plant Operational in 2026
The beekeeping plant will begin construction this year and is expected to begin operations in 2026, consolidating the Honey for Well-being project. A call will be launched for young Yucatecans with beekeeping experience to join the plant team.
This historic announcement not only represents a multi-million-dollar investment, but also a structural change that will benefit thousands of families, position Yucatecan honey in global markets, and place Yucatán at the forefront of Mexican beekeeping.
Source: lachispa
