Organic Irish Honey – does it exist?

If you regularly buy local, Irish or organic honey, you already know that honey is good for you. In your quest to find the best honey possible, you might have asked yourself why you can’t find Organic Irish Honey? As a beekeeper in Ireland, practising sustainable and ethical bee farming, I’m here to help you answer that question!

What Is Organic Honey?

Let’s start by understanding the essence of organic honey. Organic honey is honey that is certified as having been produced without the use of synthetic pesticides or chemicals. This means that beekeepers who produce organic honey follow strict guidelines for beekeeping practices. This is to ensure the honey meets the organic standard. The guidelines include using only organic feed for bees and not using synthetic pesticides. It also includes allowing bees to forage in areas that are free from chemicals.

Why is there no Organic Honey Produced in Ireland?

If local Irish honey is so good for you, and being organic ensures that it has been produced according to sound organic practices, then surely, Irish Organic Honey would be the best honey possible? Why then don’t we produce organic honey In Ireland?

Great question!

This is because there is currently no organic certification available for honey in Ireland. Even if there was, the nature of bees means that they fly long distances to gather nectar to make honey. Hence, in order to produce organic honey, a large area covering several square miles surrounding the beehives need to be organic farm, forestry, or completely wild, without chemicals. Because of the landscape, agriculture and size of Ireland, this is simply not possible.

As a result: All organic honey sold in Ireland is produced outside of Ireland.

Irish Options for Conscious Consumers

While it may not be possible to find Organic Irish Honey, there are many, beekeepers in Ireland who follow sound organic practices. Buying honey from these beekeepers is a great option for those looking for an alternative to imported honeys. This not only reduces the carbon footprint of the honey. It also offers the added benefit of local pollens, which can have potential health benefits. Read more about pollen here.

Irish Organic Honey might not be a reality due to the current limitations in certification and the unique challenges posed by Ireland’s landscape and agriculture. However, there are still excellent choices for those who appreciate the goodness of pure honey. Supporting local beekeepers who practice responsible and sustainable beekeeping is not only environmentally conscious. It also allows you to enjoy the natural flavours of Irish honey, and it comes with assurance of quality and ethical production.

Next time you savour the sweet taste of honey from our beautiful island, remember that although it may not be certified as organic, it embodies the essence of Ireland’s natural landscape and dedication to sustainable beekeeping practices.

Hanna Bäckmo

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