Vietnam: Nguyen Hoai An

Starting in 1993, Federico Romero was inspired to become a beekeeper thanks to his uncle. He says beekeeping takes a lot of effort and there are many challenges to overcome, including high costs of supplies, maintaining vehicles, supporting employees, and the effects of climate change. One lesson Federico has learned from working with bees is to never give up in the face of adversity. He would like field owners to know the importance of having beehives in their fields and hopes that things can change to protect the bees. Federico believes that beekeepers around the world share passion for the hive and solidarity between beekeepers. "Beekeepers around the world speak the same language."

Luciano Terrile was inspired by his father to become a beekeeper. He is motivated to promote health in his bees. He has learned from his bees the importance of organization in the hive and respecting the organization of each bee. There are many challenges that beekeepers face, including disease and climate, but Luciano believes you can overcome challenges by always being aware of the hive. In Argentina, beekeeping is very artisanal work and you must be very knowledgeable to keep the bees healthy and produce quality honey. Luciano says beekeeping is a way of life and above all things, you should like that it is a physical activity. He believes this is something that beekeepers around the world share.

Konstantyn Voitalyuk, a beekeeper in Tomashpil in the Vinnytsia region of Ukraine, started beekeeping in 2017 after discovering the potential for income from honey production. His passion for beekeeping has grown as he has learned the importance of consistency and persistence in this challenging industry. Konstantyn continues to adapt and thrive in an environment with fluctuating market prices, focusing on the long-term benefits of beekeeping. "I started beekeeping in 2017 after selling wild honey. That gave me the motivation to realize there is an opportunity to do beekeeping as a living. The more I did it, the more I understood that beekeeping is a business that requires both effort and passion. I stay motivated because I see the potential to grow and keep improving every year.  “To succeed in beekeeping, you need to want to do it. The prices can be low, with almost no profit, but you have to be consistent, persistent, and stay in the game. It is not about quick wins; it is about the long-term commitment to your work. “I am always looking to learn from beekeepers in other countries, especially those in the U.S. and Canada, where industrial beekeeping is large-scale. Although the climate in places like Spain is different, it is interesting to compare. It is important to me that others know that Ukrainian beekeepers manage to survive and thrive, even in very difficult conditions and circumstances. “While many of us want to improve the planet through pollination, it is important to recognize that we cannot do that without also making a living by selling our wholesome product at a price that allows us to maintain and operate our bees. It is all about balancing passion with the need for sustainable income."

Serhiy Petrovskyi is an independent beekeeper from Polonne village in the Khmelnytskyi Region of Ukraine. With over 20 years of experience, Serhiy has built a thriving beekeeping practice based on a deep respect for nature and the hard work of his bees. His passion for honey production and sustainable beekeeping practices makes his products stand out for their quality and purity. "From a young age, I admired the way my father tended to the bees. I was drawn to the idea of being self-sufficient, free from relying on others. My motivation now comes from the satisfaction of seeing the hives grow and thrive—knowing that every jar of honey is a result of hard work and care. I started this journey with a sense of responsibility, and now I am driven to perfect it, no matter what. “Bees live by a flawless system of organization. There is no chaos, only purpose. If people could see the way bees collaborate with one another, they would understand how much order and precision there is in nature. It teaches us patience, discipline, and the importance of every small action. More importantly, people need to realize that bees are indispensable to the world’s ecosystems. Without them, the balance of nature would collapse. “I try to manage everything I can, but the real challenge comes when the unpredictability of nature clashes with the demands of the market. Climate change has altered flowering cycles, and price fluctuations make it hard to stay ahead. I work hard to maintain the quality of my honey, which, in the end, speaks for itself. “Ukrainian honey is more than just a commodity—it is part of our culture. Varieties like rapeseed and sunflower honey are often overlooked, but they are rich in flavor and health benefits. We take pride in producing honey with care and respect for nature. “Beekeepers worldwide share a deep respect for nature and the environment. We all understand the importance of our work in sustaining life on Earth, and that common bond connects us, no matter where we are."

Mikhailo Sosidko is a passionate beekeeper in Oleksandrivka in the Kirovohrad region of Ukraine who inherited the craft from his father. Over the years, Mikhailo has turned beekeeping into a lifelong dedication and a personal hobby. Mikhailo’s deep respect for nature and his innovative approach to beekeeping have shaped his journey and his insights offer a valuable perspective on the challenges and rewards of working with bees. "Beekeeping was a gift from my father, passed down to me about 15 years ago. Now, it is not just a business, it is my passion and way of life. Every day, the bees remind me why I started, and I am constantly motivated to give them the care they deserve. I think bees are extraordinary – their lives follow a precise, natural rhythm. Everything they produce is pure, natural, and full of healing power. I use bee products to make tinctures and remedies because I know they are packed with health benefits. Here in Ukraine, our passion never wavers. I want others to know how we cope in tough times and share ideas to keep pushing forward. We have a lot to learn from each other.  Beekeeping is more than just a job – it is a way of life. Once you start, you cannot stop. You develop a love for the bees, and you notice them everywhere. In some countries, beekeepers get great support from their government, but here it is a constant struggle. Like farmers planting crops that do not help the bees, but without the bees, there is no harvest. We all share that commitment to nature, and we have to keep fighting, no matter the odds."

Yosyp Kozlovskyi took up beekeeping after his grandfather’s passing, carrying on the family tradition. His deep love for honey and the joy of working with bees have driven him to embrace the challenges of this demanding profession. Yosyp is determined to keep improving and share the benefits of high-quality Ukrainian honey with the world. "It all started because I have always had a passion for honey, and my grandfather, who was also a beekeeper, taught me the craft. When he passed away, I felt the need to continue his work, and there was no one else to do it. Now, I am driven by the love for the bees and the joy of seeing the fruits of my labor in the honey I harvest. It is not just a business—it is a continuation of a legacy. “The bees have taught me the value of punctuality and consistency. Everything in beekeeping requires a steady, patient hand—bees are creatures of habit, and they thrive in order. If you lose that sense of regularity, the whole system falls apart. I wish more people understood that success in beekeeping is not about rushing but about being methodical and committed every single day. “…the market can be unpredictable, and it is tough to make a living when you cannot guarantee stable pricing. But I have learned to adapt. I keep improving my methods to ensure the quality of my honey remains top-notch, and I work on establishing better relationships with buyers. I want beekeepers in other countries to recognize the high quality of Ukrainian honey. …Varieties like rapeseed and sunflower are often undervalued, but they are rich in nutrients and flavor. We face a lot of challenges, but I believe Ukrainian honey deserves more recognition for its uniqueness and health benefits.  “I believe we all share the understanding that beekeeping is more than just a job—it is a passion. Every beekeeper, no matter where they are in the world, is tied to nature. We all share that bond, and I’m sure that is why beekeepers can quickly connect with each other. It is not just about the bees; it is about respecting the balance of life itself."

Vu Tien Giap started beekeeping in 1992. His uncles who kept honeybees near his house inspired him and gave him a passion for beekeeping. “Seeing honeybees diligently working and creating drops of sweet honey filled me with excitement and a desire to learn.” He has learned valuable lessons from honeybees about sacrifice and cooperation in the hive. "Every honeybee sacrifices itself for the benefit of the whole colony." To him, this lesson goes beyond unity; it’s a powerful source of inspiration that helps him face and overcome life's challenges. One of the biggest challenges for him is long journeys moving beehives, bringing them to new floral areas for nectar. He shared: “I moved hives over hundreds of kilometers, and each time, I may be away from home for several months. At those times, I cannot be with my family, especially when my children are sick, and I cannot take care of them and help my wife. Those are the days when my heart is heavy with homesickness, missing the laughter of my children.” But he also understands that this is an essential part of beekeeping. Those journeys, although difficult and tiring, make him love and cherish his family even more. What makes him most proud of beekeeping is providing pure drops of honey from nature, contributing to the protection of consumer health, while also preserving a valuable traditional occupation for future generations. Vu Tien Giap believes that although beekeepers around the world have never met, they all have one thing in common: "We all love nature and cherish every drop of honey we produce. Each drop is the result of our hard work, dedication, and passion."

Luong Thi Tuyet comes from the northern mountains of Vietnam. Her family initially came to the Central Highlands to find work as hired laborers. However, when they became acquainted with beekeeping, they realized it was an opportunity to support the environment and the community. Although her family did not face many difficulties when starting beekeeping, the harsh weather condition in the Central Highlands is a significant challenge. The long dry season made nectar scarce, while the rainy season increased risk of disease and hindered the honeybees’ development. In that situation, she learned to move honeybees to areas with more abundant floral sources, where the climate was favorable for honeybees to grow healthily. Through that, she realized that beekeeping not only requires patience, but also the ability to be flexible and adapt to changes in nature. Beekeeping has helped her family overcome difficulties, especially when her husband fell ill. Thanks to their savings and income from beekeeping, she was able to cover medical and living expenses. Even though her husband passed away, her passion with honeybees gave her strength to continue beekeeping, so that her children could study with a better life. Luong Thi Tuyet shared, “Beekeeping not only brings economic value, but also has a profound impact on the agricultural sector. Honeybees are natural pollinators, helping plants pollinate better, increasing crop yields. Beekeeping has taught me to be more responsible and helps me realize that taking care of honeybees every day not only benefits me but also contributes to protecting nature and supporting sustainable development of community.”