The Difference FTF Makes: in Gallons of Honey

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Volunteers usually spend an intensive period preparing for and carrying out a Farmer to Farmer assignment, but unless they return periodically it is difficult to see the progress over time and the greater sum of the assistance provided. Here is a snapshot update on Nicodeme Pierre, one of the most successful beekeepers that Partners' Farmer to Farmer Program has been working with over the years.

(Photo: Working in the hive, Nicodeme Pierre removes a frame full of honey. Photo taken by Justin Hackworth) 

Our best improved beekeeper in 2009 (Nicodème Pierre, in Caracol Poisson, northern of Haiti) harvested 175 gallons of honey (36 hives) . In 2008 he harvested [only] 17 gallons from 16 hives. Not only did he increase colonies but also honey. Certainly, we have more than one improved beekeeper.

-reported from Benito Jasmin, Haiti FTF Coordinator

Nicodeme also appeared in a May 2009 article of the American Bee Journal ("Haiti: a Struggling Nation with Determined Beekeepers"), as authored by FTF volunteer Todd Jameson after he, David Westervelt, and Doug Corbin completed their FTF assignments in Haiti in partnership with FAVACA.

Thanks to all our many beekeepers who have worked with us and with the beekeepers in Haiti. And if you would like to return, please contact us as we have many open assignments in beekeeping! Benito wants to see you in Haiti soon.

Comments

  1. Tim SchulerWednesday, April 28, 2010

    Nicodeme is a very good beekeeper. I enjoied meeting him and his family last fall. We ate sugar cane from one of his neighbors while walking from one of his bee yards to the other.

    ReplyDelete
  2. MeghanThursday, April 29, 2010

    Yes I enjoyed meeting him too last year. He seems like the grandfather of the Haitian beekeepers in the North - very kind, proud of his success, and willing to teach others. I will especially never forget his apiary since that is where I received my first (and only, thankfully) Haitian bee sting!

    ReplyDelete

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