Staff Reporter

In a ground-breaking development poised to transform the agricultural landscape of Zimbabwe, honey farmers from Chipinge District in Manicaland Province are on the brink of commencing honey exports to Germany.

This monumental stride comes after the country's honey received accolades for its authenticity, sparking international interest.

A source shared with this publication that a compliance audit pivotal for certification had recently been concluded, marking a new era for Zimbabwe's honey industry.

"The audit, a critical step for our entry into the German market, was facilitated by ZimTrade and carried out by Ecocert, a South African company contracted by the Germans. Their main objective was to verify the organic purity of our honey and its adherence to stringent market requirements," the source revealed.

The inspection, spanning from February 28 to March 12, 2024, affirmed the organic integrity of Zimbabwean honey, certifying it as 100 percent organic and compliant with all organic certification standards.

The source added that this achievement underscores the culmination of ZimTrade's relentless efforts to connect Zimbabwean products with the global market, offering a beacon of hope for the nation's economy.

"The successful audit is not just a win for the honey farmers of Chipinge but a testament to the quality and potential of Zimbabwean agricultural products on the world stage," the source added.

Adding to the narrative, prominent bee farmer , Tendai Moyo, hailed beekeeping as a transformative enterprise with untapped potential.

"Bee farming is more than just a livelihood; it's a lucrative business that can significantly uplift the economic status of our farmers and the nation at large. This breakthrough into the German market is just the beginning," Moyo stated.

Echoing Moyo's sentiments, Marjorie Kambanje, a veteran in the beekeeping industry, emphasised the sustainable aspect of honey production.

"Beekeeping is environmentally friendly and sustainable. This venture into international markets not only validates our hard work but also shines a light on the importance of preserving our environment through such practices," Kambanje remarked.

Meanwhile, the certification by Ecocert opens doors to a thriving future, promising economic growth and prosperity for the nation's honey producers.

As Zimbabwean honey makes its debut in Germany, it stands as a symbol of hope,  and quality of the country’s under-tapped huge agricultural potential.