PORT ST. LUCIE — On Aug. 18, UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County will host a taste-testing of locally grown honey varieties direct from beekeepers at 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34982.

Honey tastings will be available while supplies last from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Examples of honey available include mangrove, tupelo, gallberry, citrus, wildlife and more.

“The goal of the event is to celebrate St. Lucie County’s beekeeping industry in advance of World Honey Bee Day which takes place on Aug.20,” said Ken Gioeli, a UF/IFAS natural resources and environment Extension agent. Gioeli will host the event with the St. Lucie Code Compliance Division of Planning and Development Services and local beekeepers. “The day acknowledges honey bees and the beekeepers who tend the hives and encourages everyone to enjoy and buy locally grown honey.”

Another important part of the day includes learning about honey bees and the vital role they play to the state’s economy and environment.

Honey bees contribute billions of dollars to agriculture efforts worldwide, an economic fact not lost on Dana Fisher, a local beekeeper and owner of Monarda Apiary in Fort Pierce and a partner in the event.

“Honey is one of the most undervalued products on the market,” Fisher explained. “It takes about 4,200 miles, 2 million flower visits and about 560 bees to make a pound of honey. Honey bees are responsible for 80% of commercial crop pollination.”

Because of the many varieties pollinated, every jar of honey is different, she added.