Agenda Profile: Arvo Aller
Inquiry Regarding Changes to 2025 Beekeeping Support for Small Beekeepers (no. 761)
2025-09-08
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's decision to restrict beekeeping subsidies, which now mandate a legal entity and a minimum of 16 bee colonies, thereby excluding small-scale beekeepers. This stance is driven by concern regarding the income of small honey producers and the overall organization of the sector, emphasizing that these changes resulted from cuts that were imposed on the sector as a fait accompli. The focus is policy-driven, concentrating on the negative practical impact of these amendments.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates in-depth knowledge of beekeeping support schemes, referencing precise requirements (e.g., the 16-colony limit, the 10-colony requirement for foraging area support) and the role of the PRIA register. Technical details are presented regarding the coordination of plant protection work and honey quality control (honey spectra, honey kaleidoscopes). The expertise is consistent and relies on specific regulatory conditions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and detailed, focusing on the logical analysis of policy changes and the presentation of their practical consequences. The tone is concerned and critical, particularly regarding the plight of small-scale beekeepers and the deterioration of cooperation between crop cultivators and beekeepers. Both logical arguments (the motivation for registration) and emotional appeals (the hardships faced by small beekeepers) are employed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active submitter of inquiries, mentioning the submission of a specific inquiry on April 23, 2025, which demonstrates proactivity before the start of the grant application period. It is noted that four to five months have passed since the inquiry was submitted, indicating long-term activity in addressing the issue.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the actions taken by the government and the minister, who implemented cuts that compelled the beekeeping sector to alter the terms of their subsidies. The criticism leveled is both political and procedural, stressing that the sector was presented with a fait accompli, and that these changes harm small-scale aid recipients and complicate the execution of necessary plant protection work.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the importance of cooperation, highlighting the communication system between plant growers and beekeepers, which had previously been running smoothly but is now at risk. The possibility was also mentioned that small-scale beekeepers could agree to pool 10 hives among several of them in order to qualify for harvesting area support.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on domestic agriculture and beekeeping in Estonia, addressing the issues faced by local small-scale honey producers and their struggle against imported fake honey. The low volume of Estonian honey production in recent years is also mentioned.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic arguments favor maintaining the small subsidies to provide small-scale beekeepers with "at least a little bit of extra income" and an incentive to register. Criticism is leveled against the state's practice of immediately deducting income tax from the grants paid out to private individuals.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at revoking or amending the changes to the beekeeping support regulation in order to restore the availability of support to all beekeepers, regardless of the number of hives. The speaker is actively engaged in oversight through inquiries.
3 Speeches Analyzed