Right now, Ehime — one of Japan’s most famous citrus-growing regions — is wrapped in the beautiful fragrance of citrus blossoms known as “neroli.”
This is the season of honey that carries the familiar scent of mikan oranges.
Around BeeCamp, naturally grown iyokan citrus trees surround the apiary.
The “Spring Honey” we plan to harvest in June will most likely be rich with the nectar of iyokan blossoms.
But not every environment is this fortunate.
At this time of year, citrus farmers spray pesticides to protect their crops from flower beetles, which crawl into the blossoms and damage the developing fruit.
For the farmers, this is an important part of protecting both their harvest and their livelihood.
However, these sprays can sometimes affect the honeybees visiting the flowers at exactly the same time.
Whenever we see exhausted bees lying around the hives, it leaves us with feelings that are difficult to describe.
This is not about blaming anyone.
But perhaps, if communities could share spraying schedules, or if beekeepers had time to prepare and temporarily close hive entrances beforehand, some lives might be protected.
Surrounded by the sweet scent of neroli, these are the thoughts that come to mind.