Beekeepers (at least those in Ribeira Brava) are still waiting for help from the Regional Government after last August’s fires. The accusation was made today by the Mayor of Ribeira Brava, Ricardo Nascimento, at the opening of the Poncha and Honey Exhibition.
“The Regional Government delivered food to the bees right after the fires, because with everything burned, there was a lack of food for the insects. Many beekeepers lost entire hives and data was collected by the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and the Regional Directorate for Agriculture, to assess the possibility of future support and, as far as I know, they are still waiting for this aid.”
The IX Poncha and Honey Exhibition started today and runs until Sunday, with lots of entertainment and lots of poncha. “It is part of the municipality’s festivities and has already achieved regional notoriety, so a lot of people are expected over the weekend in Ribeira Brava,” said the mayor.
Ricardo Nascimento reiterated that the event promotes more than poncha, it includes and highlights the production of citrus fruits and honey. “Lemon and orange are fruits grown in Serra de Água and are used in this traditional drink, noting that the honey produced in the parish “is excellent.”
The Poncha and Honey Exhibition has a diversified programme and is organised by Casa do Povo and has the support of the City Council, the Parish Council, and the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Environment.
The event maintains its popular nature and is an opportunity to taste a variety of locally made ponchas.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
