Hungary's Bee Population Threatened by Drought, Beekeepers Warn for 2027

Hungary’s beekeeping sector is sounding the alarm over a severe pollen shortage threatening up to 80% of the country’s bee population, as prolonged drought and extreme heat have destroyed natural sources of nectar and pollen.

The National Hungarian Beekeeping Association (Országos Magyar Méhészeti Egyesület, OMME) has warned that the lack of pollen, a vital protein source for bee colonies, could lead to significant colony losses by spring 2027. The crisis has forced OMME to alert Szabolcs Bóna, Hungary’s minister responsible for agriculture and food policy, citing the unprecedented scale of bee starvation in the country.

Pollen is essential for raising young bees and ensuring healthy colony development. Without it, honey production declines and winter survival rates drop sharply. This year, around 80% of Hungary’s bees have struggled to find adequate natural pollen, as drought conditions have dried up even damp areas and riverbanks that typically provide late-summer forage. The scarcity of water and nectar forces bees to fly farther, depleting their energy and increasing mortality rates.

The situation also raises concerns about colony stability. Insufficient nectar can trigger aggressive behavior within hives, further reducing bee survival. OMME has emphasized that the current pollen deficit will have long-term consequences, affecting whether colonies survive the winter, recover in spring, and produce honey in 2025.

Because many beekeepers may fail to meet national colony maintenance requirements due to these losses, OMME has requested that authorities consider the extreme weather conditions and exceptional circumstances when enforcing regulations. The association is urging the government not to penalize beekeepers for losses they cannot control.

The crisis reflects broader environmental challenges in Hungary, where drought and heatwaves have already devastated agriculture and wildlife. Earlier this year, reports highlighted mass fish deaths at one of Hungary’s largest fish farms, underscoring the widespread impact of climate-related disasters.

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