Challenges Faced in Boutique Honey Production in Refahiye

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Beekeeping is an economic activity that is important for development in rural areas. The quality of the honey produced is influential in forming the brand of honey in that region. The quality of honey is dependent on the natural conditions, climate, and vegetation of the area where the bees are located. Refahiye district is also a geographical region with suitable conditions for beekeeping. In this article, a semi-structured ethnographic interview, a qualitative interview, was conducted with 14 people engaged in boutique beekeeping in the Refahiye district. This study aims to determine the production method of Refahiye Kayı Honey, which received a geographical indication registration certificate in 2018. It has been observed that the production of honey produced in the district is carried out with a great effort by making use of plants such as thyme and agave flower unique to the region. The institutionalization of honey production will positively contribute to the district in terms of socio-economic aspects. However, it is far below potential. Beekeeping is considered a part-time job for retired and employees. Since they had to produce a small amount, they turned to boutique honey. A corporate structure that will help beekeepers into a full-time job needs a corporate system to document authenticity and quality, develop market distribution, and improve the brand. Products are sold through their relatives. The current cooperative union can purchase below its value. Agricultural supports should shift from visible inputs such as hive-style to invisible values that will support the institutional structure.

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Beekeeping , Rural Development , Production , Honey

eastern geographical review

308

eastern geographical review