Cuban Bees: The Organic Revolution

Cuban beekeepers are committed to organic and sustainable apiculture, avoiding chemical contaminants. This brings huge benefits to the island’s bee population and contributes to the overall well-being of the ecosystem. Economic limitations and restricted access to chemical fertilisers and pesticides since the 1990s have catalysed a shift to agroecology and organic farming nationally. Honey production on the island is predominantly organic and primarily derived from wildflowers, giving it a distinctive flavour. The Cuban government has taken measures to safeguard and promote beekeeping as a vital component of sustainable agriculture.  In this documentary, Laura Rivalta takes viewers on a journey through Havana to hear from beekeepers and farmers about Cuba’s unique beekeeping practices. While, Emma Shannon, who did research on about Cuban apiculture at the University of Glasgow, compares the Cuban experience with the challenges faced by bees in Scotland and elsewhere. Through the exploration of Cuba’s beekeeping traditions, this documentary sheds light on the island’s sustainable apiculture.