By Kenneth Marcos 
In the quiet fields of Casiguran, Sorsogon, the gentle hum of bees filled the air as experts from the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) visited Grajos Agri-Bee Farm to gather vital data that could help shape the country’s first national standard for bee pollen products.
The field activity, conducted by the BAFS Standards Research Division, focused on collecting scientific and technical information related to the safety, quality, and processing of bee pollen. The data gathered will serve as the foundation for developing the Philippine National Standard (PNS) for Bee Pollen – Product Standard, which aims to ensure that locally produced bee pollen meets both domestic and international market requirements.
Bee pollen, often called a “superfood,” is known for its nutritional value and health benefits. However, without clear product standards, local producers face challenges in maintaining consistent quality and complying with global food safety regulations. The creation of the PNS for bee pollen seeks to address these gaps and promote fair trade, consumer safety, and market competitiveness for Filipino beekeepers.
According to the DA-BAFS, the field study is part of its ongoing effort to strengthen the country’s apiculture industry through science-based regulation and standardization. By working closely with local farms such as Grajos Agri-Bee Farm, the agency ensures that the standards being developed reflect the real conditions and practices of Filipino producers.
The data gathering process includes evaluating pollen collection methods, storage procedures, moisture content, cleanliness, and potential contaminants. These details are essential in determining the parameters that will define product quality—ensuring that bee pollen sold in the market is clean, safe, and authentic.
The initiative also supports the government’s broader push to boost local honey and bee-based enterprises, recognizing their growing role in livelihood generation, crop pollination, and biodiversity conservation. Beekeeping, while still a small-scale industry in the Philippines, has been gaining attention as a sustainable agribusiness option that can thrive in both rural and urban areas.
Once completed, the PNS for bee pollen is expected to guide producers, processors, and traders in maintaining high-quality standards, protect consumers, and open opportunities for export.
Through efforts like this, the DA-BAFS reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that Filipino agricultural products not only meet safety standards but also reflect the hard work and quality that Filipino farmers and beekeepers are known for.
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