An inquiry regarding whether only large enterprises deal with food safety (no. 767)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session
Date: 2025-06-03 01:32
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 13
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 23m
AI Summaries: 13/13 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debate addressed the interpellation presented by members of the Riigikogu, Peeter Ernits and Kersti Sarapuu, regarding the impact of support measures on the apiculture sector and food security. The core question was whether food security is solely addressed by large-scale beekeepers (16 or more hives) and whether this is a legally and economically justifiable basis for distribution. The comparison highlighted the 15-hive threshold and the transition to a support pattern centered on 16+ hives, a considered solution made following a decrease in the diminishing returns effect on the budget. Statistics on beekeepers registered in Estonia were also presented, noting that pest control, knowledge days, and other extensive support opportunities remain accessible to all beekeepers. Meetings with the sector on December 17th and April 9th showed that the discussion has been multifaceted and the willingness to continue dialogue and check the correctness of decisions concerns both transparency and the impact achieved in the use of the budget. Final decisions were likely not implemented, and the debate will guide further political discussion and potential changes through cooperation with the apiculture sector, including its name and structure, starting in 2026.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made during this day; the discussions served to explain policy choices, present data, and outline potential directions for future debate and reforms in the healthcare sector, including consideration of alternative funding arrangements and nomenclature.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Peeter Ernits (pid tjHwrGmYQb4), a member of the Riigikogu. Position: other.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Today, the interpellation submitted on May 7th by Riigikogu members Peeter Ernits and Kersti Sarapuu is being discussed, addressing whether only large-scale beekeepers are involved in food security.

Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits criticizes the Ministry of Rural Affairs' decision to allocate 560,000 euros to large-scale beekeepers (those with over 15 hives), arguing that the justification used was food security, while a significant portion of beekeepers, especially pensioners, received no support.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the Minister and invites the Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Hendrik Johannes Terras, to the Riigikogu rostrum to answer the interpellation.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Terras stated that the modification of the bee colony support scheme was necessitated by budget cuts. The goal was to maximize the impact achieved with limited resources and redirect the subsidies toward large-scale producers owning 16 or more bee colonies. Nevertheless, other funding opportunities remain for hobby beekeepers, and the ministry is ready to continue involving the sector and implementing changes, if required, starting in 2026.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the Minister and announces that the questioner will ask him a question, which will be presented by Peeter Ernits.

Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits thanks you for the answer and asks whether a similar situation will be avoided next year, and whether any of those funds remained unused, or if that 530,000 went to the major recipients this time around.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
He confirmed that the precise data regarding the implementation of the measure could be sent, and noted that standard practice dictates that everything is distributed among the applicants, and demand is high.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar addresses Anti Allas and asks for something.

Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas asked how many small-scale applicants had fewer than 16 bee colonies, and what total amount was paid out to them last year.
Regionaal- ja põllumajandusminister Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Regional and Agriculture Minister Hendrik Terras said that last year, 1,932 beekeepers applied for bee colony support, covering a total of 35,468 bee colonies. Furthermore, 1,181 individual beekeepers possessed a total of 9,739 colonies, and should anyone wish to know the order of magnitude of the exact sum to be paid out, this data can be provided if necessary.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the Minister, stated that there were no further questions, opened the debate, and invited the interpellant, Peeter Ernits, back to the rostrum.

Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits noted that poor communication prevails between beekeepers and the ministry, and he stressed that genuine financial support is necessary specifically for small-scale beekeepers—pensioners who maintain up to 15 hives. He also called for transparency regarding the draft beekeeping law and the budget.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offered thanks and announced that there were no further requests for the floor, although the Minister did wish to speak. Following this, he closed the discussions and concluded the consideration of the ninth item on the agenda.