Editorial

The news that the Division of Rural Sciences and Food Systems and Golden Island Ltd, a beekeeping business, were undertaking a project that would ultimately lead to a definition of a Maltese honey standard is good news to all those who believe that small could be beautiful in business. The European Union is in fact promoting more support for the crafts and cottage industries through the Single Market Act.

Small, family-run businesses both Europe-wide but also in Malta offer employment to so many workers. Most of them offer good-quality and genuine products and services. The beekeeping industry in Malta is a case in point and, hence, deserves all the attention it can get in order to grow and consolidate.

It is therefore a pity that the local honey producers association should complain it only learned about the project mentioned above through the media. It says it does not like the fact it had not been involved in the planning stage and also complains the honey producer leading the project could have a conflict of interest when asking for honey samples from competitors.

A more worrying aspect are claims that “Maltese honey” is being sold in abundance at different prices. This seems to indicate some of the produce on sale could, in fact, be a cheap imitation imported from countries where production standards are not strict. This needs to be looked into, if need be by launching a formal inquiry, and the necessary action taken without delay. It is likely this state of affairs goes beyond the honey industry with many small businesses, in various sectors, having their own story to tell.

Crafts and cottage industries can have big potential, as long as the activities are managed and regulated in a credible way. While the project relating to the production of Maltese honey funded by the Malta Council for Science and Technology could be an important stimulus for growth for this craft business, it is essential all the stakeholders are involved at all stages of the project. The stakeholders include the producers themselves and their representatives, the Department of Agriculture, the Malta Standards Authority, marketing experts and, of course, consumers.

While honey is, so far, not included in the Protected Geographical Indications Regulation of the EU, it may be in the future because the list of protected products is reviewed from time to time. Even so, it makes sense to introduce quality and product description standards in Malta to enhance and protect the premium brand of Maltese honey. With a creative marketing strategy, this business can become a profitable niche in the retail market that targets both local and visiting consumers. The beekeeping industry in Malta has excellent and unique credentials. It was probably one of the earliest economic activities practised by the Maltese since the time of the Phoenicians. Maltese honey is mentioned in classical literature, including books written by Cicero.

What here refers to the beekeeping industry applies also to micro businesses and craftsmen involved in different sectors. Every effort must be made to not only promote but, perhaps more importantly, protect the Malta product both out of national pride but also to boost the economy and ensure consumers get only the best and what is genuine.

To do that there must be proper regulation, quality control and, more importantly, enforcement. Short-sighted strategies aiming for a quick gain on the back of a vibrant industry, however small, must be nipped in the bud.